Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has signalled she is prepared to challenge teaching unions over the government’s plan to introduce mandatory reading tests for 13-year-olds, arguing the move is essential to address “shocking outcomes” for working-class children.

Unions have described the new Year 8 reading assessments as unnecessary and disruptive, but Phillipson insisted the policy is vital to raise standards. “I’m on the side of children and parents,” she said, urging critics to reconsider their opposition. “Too many working-class children are being failed. They only get one chance at a good education.”

One in four pupils — and one in three disadvantaged pupils — currently fail to meet expected literacy standards, she noted. The curriculum review to be published next week will include compulsory reading tests for Year 8 students, along with informal assessments in writing and maths.

More extracurricular activities to stop ‘doom loop of detachment’

Phillipson also announced that every school in England will be required to offer a core programme of enrichment across areas including sport, arts and culture, outdoor learning, civic engagement, and life skills such as cooking and financial education. Only around two-thirds of secondary pupils currently take part in any school-based extracurricular activities.

She warned that growing student detachment threatens social cohesion and increases vulnerability to harmful online influences, particularly for boys. “We need young people to feel excited about being part of something,” she said. Ofsted will consider schools’ enrichment provision as part of routine inspections.

Fight against child poverty continues

Phillipson reaffirmed her support for scrapping the two-child benefit cap, saying Labour must show real progress on reducing child poverty by the next election. “We must bring those numbers down urgently,” she said, promising to continue making the case inside government.

SEN reform still a priority — but needs to be ‘done right’

Acknowledging delays in publishing the long-awaited reform of special educational needs provision, Phillipson said the government must balance financial pressures on councils with ensuring children get the support they need. “Parents know the system isn’t working,” she said. “We have to take the time to get this right.”

Phillipson described her deputy leadership campaign as “just the beginning” of her mission to secure a second term for Labour, saying the education system must deliver better outcomes and greater hope for children across the country.