What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check?

The Phonics Screening Check is a short statutory assessment that every Year 1 child in England takes each June. A teacher asks the child to read 40 words aloud one-to-one. It checks how well a child can decode words using phonics and identifies any child who would benefit from extra support.

When is the phonics screening check in 2026?

In 2026 the check takes place in the week beginning Monday 8 June 2026. Children who are absent can take it the following week.

What is the pass mark for the phonics screening check?

The expected standard has been 32 out of 40 for several years. The exact threshold is confirmed by the government shortly after the check. Around one in five children do not meet the standard first time and simply retake it in Year 2.

Why does the check use nonsense words?

20 of the 40 words are made-up 'alien' words shown next to an alien character. Nonsense words are a pure test of phonics because a child cannot recognise them from memory — they have to decode them sound by sound.

How can I help my child prepare?

Short, calm, regular practice works best — five to ten minutes a day of sounding words out and blending them. Practise decoding rather than memorising, include playful alien words, and keep it light and low-pressure.

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check: A Calm Parent's Guide (2026)

What is the Phonics Screening Check?

The Phonics Screening Check is a short, statutory assessment that every Year 1 child in England takes each June. It was introduced by the Department for Education in 2012 and the format has stayed the same ever since.

It isn't a test your child can “fail” in the traditional sense. It's a quick snapshot that helps the school see how well your child can decode words using phonics — and spot any child who might benefit from a little extra support before Year 2.

words read aloud

32/40

usual pass mark

~10 min

one-to-one, no timer

When does it happen in 2026?

In 2026, the check takes place in the week beginning Monday 8 June 2026. If a child is absent that week, schools can use the following week to catch up.

What actually happens?

Your child sits one-to-one with a familiar teacher in a quiet space. The teacher shows them a small booklet and asks them to read 40 words aloud, one at a time. It takes around 5–10 minutes, and there's no time limit — your child can take as long as they need. There are a few practice words at the start so your child understands what to do.

The 40 words: real and “alien”

The 40 words are split into two sections that get gradually harder:

20 real words — like vet, sprint or screech
20 “alien” words — made-up nonsense words like vap or quemp, each shown next to a friendly alien character

Why nonsense words?

Because they're a pure test of phonics. A child can't recognise an alien word from memory or guess it from a picture — they have to actually decode it, sound by sound. That's exactly the skill the check is measuring. And most children find them good fun.

What's the pass mark?

The expected standard has been 32 out of 40 for several years. The exact threshold for each year is confirmed by the government shortly after the check.

If a child doesn't meet the standard in Year 1, there's nothing to worry about — they simply retake it at the end of Year 2, with extra support in between. Around one in five children don't pass first time, so it's very common and not a cause for alarm.

How to help your child feel ready

The children who do well are usually the ones who've had calm, consistent phonics practice beforehand — not last-minute cramming.

Little and often. Five to ten minutes a day beats a long session once a week. For five and six-year-olds, short and regular builds lasting memory.
Practise decoding, not memorising. Encourage your child to sound words out — s–p–r–i–n–t — then blend them together.
Don't skip the alien words. Made-up words feel silly and fun, and they're brilliant practice for pure decoding.
Keep it light. A relaxed, confident child reads far better than an anxious one. Praise effort and keep it playful.

A quick word on digraphs and trigraphs

You may see these terms on worksheets. A digraph is two letters making one sound (sh, ee). A trigraph is three letters making one sound (igh, air). A split digraph is two letters split by another, like the a–e in cake. Your child doesn't need the words — but now you'll know what they mean.

Calm, structured phonics at home

PhonicSpace is a calm phonics app for Reception and KS1, built around the sounds children learn in class — informed by over 40 years of UK primary teaching and SENCO experience.

Join the waitlist

Common questions

Is the phonics screening check a formal exam?

No. It's an informal, one-to-one check with a familiar teacher, with no time limit. It's designed to feel relaxed, and it can be stopped early if a child finds it difficult.

Will my child know if they passed?

Results are shared with parents by the end of the summer term. Individual results aren't published, and the check is just one small snapshot of one part of learning to read.

What if my child reads well but “fails”?

It can happen — a fluent reader might try to turn a nonsense word into a real one (reading strom as storm) and be marked incorrect. That's why the check is just one snapshot, not a judgement of your child as a reader.

Where can I find official past papers?

The Department for Education publishes past check materials free on gov.uk after each year's check. They make excellent, authentic practice.

This guide is for information only and reflects guidance for the 2026 check. Your child's school is always the best source of advice. PhonicSpace is informed by over 40 years of UK primary teaching and SENCO experience.