A report by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has found no evidence that the national phonics screening check (PSC), introduced in 2012 to improve early reading, has had a positive impact on primary-aged children’s reading outcomes. The research shows no improvement in Key Stage 1 (KS1) or Key Stage 2 (KS2) reading results, nor any narrowing of attainment gaps by the end of primary school. Teachers are divided on the PSC, with 39% wanting it scrapped, while others think it should be retained or significantly changed.
