Parents and carers of Year 1 children
Phonics Screening Check 2027: Dates, Format and Pass Mark
The phonics screening check in England is scheduled for the week beginning Monday 14 June 2027. It checks how children use letters and sounds to read words. Most children take it in Year 1.
The date is published in the official assessment timetable. Ask your child’s school about the arrangements, including any support or absence. The detailed administration guidance linked below currently covers 2026.
What the check involves
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Words | 40 words, including real words and made-up words |
| Made-up words | An imaginary creature beside the word signals that it is not a real word |
| How it is taken | A child reads the words aloud to a teacher |
| Threshold | Set for each year. The published 2026 threshold was 31 out of 40; the 2027 threshold is not yet confirmed |
| Below the threshold | The school identifies support; children who do not meet the standard in Year 1 normally take the check again in Year 2 |
Made-up words help check whether a child can decode unfamiliar words using phonics. The parent guidance explains their purpose. Our phonics practice topic page lists activities; it is not the official assessment.
If your child does not reach the threshold
The school should share the score and explain any support your child needs. Ask which sounds or word patterns to practise and which reading books match that work. Our Year 2 reading guide offers ideas for discussing a difficulty with the teacher.
Results are recorded and used by schools. They do not give a complete picture of a child’s reading, and an informal activity at home is not a replacement for the school’s assessment.
Phonics screening check 2028
The published 2028 check week begins Monday 12 June 2028. Future assessment arrangements are under review, so use the official dates page for updates rather than assuming every detail will stay the same.
Sources, verification and updates
Sources checked on 9 October 2026: assessment dates, 2026 threshold and materials, phonics information for parents, 2026 administration guidance.
- Updated 9 October 2026: corrected the 2026 threshold to 31; removed the claim that results leave no school record and unsupported reassurance.
- Check the linked official guidance and your school or centre for later changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the phonics screening check pass mark for 2027?
The 2027 threshold has not yet been confirmed. The published threshold for 2026 was 31 out of 40. Check the materials for the actual year; do not assume it will be 32.
Do home-educated children take the phonics check?
Families whose children are educated at home and not registered at a school do not have to arrange the school check. If your child is registered at a school, ask that school about participation and any absence.
Can my child fail the phonics screening check?
The check identifies whether a child has met the expected phonics standard. If they have not, ask the school what support it will provide. Children who do not meet the standard in Year 1 normally take the check again in Year 2; schools record the results.
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