Success for CPS policy as teaching phonics boosts reading standards

International tests have shown that the reading ability of nine and ten year olds in England have reached their highest levels since 2001, following a controversial shift in government policy in 2010 which required schools to teach phonics.

The Centre for Policy Studies has been pushing for a phonics-based system for many years, with Tom Burkard having written several reports on the topic including 'Reading Fever: Why phonics must come first' back in 1996, and welcomes the news of improved outcomes for children.