Bridget Phillipson Vows to Confront Unions Over Reading Tests

Published: 01 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has declared her readiness to face down teaching unions opposing her plans for compulsory reading tests for 13-year-olds and the introduction of mandatory extracurricular programs across all English schools. The move, aimed at tackling literacy gaps and re-engaging children from disadvantaged backgrounds, marks one of Phillipson’s most assertive policy pushes since joining the Labour cabinet.

In an interview with The Guardian, Phillipson said she was determined to address what she called “shocking outcomes” among working-class children, warning that one in four pupils — and one in three from low-income families — currently fail to meet required literacy standards. She said unions opposing the reforms should “really think carefully” about whether they can justify standing in the way of efforts to close these gaps.

“I’m on the side of children and parents,” Phillipson said. “My first priority has to be the best possible outcomes for children in our country, and especially for working-class kids. They only get one chance at a good education, and we cannot allow this drift to continue.”

The new national reading test for Year 8 students will be formally announced next week as part of a curriculum and assessment review. In addition to the tests, schools will be asked to conduct informal assessments in writing and maths, while ensuring that every child has access to at least five categories of enrichment activities — including sports, arts, culture, outdoor education, civic engagement, and practical life skills such as cooking and financial literacy.

Only two-thirds of secondary pupils currently participate in any extracurricular school activities, despite evidence showing that such involvement improves academic outcomes and future employment opportunities. Ofsted will begin monitoring schools to ensure compliance with these new expectations during regular inspections.

Phillipson has argued that the reforms are as much about restoring purpose and belonging among young people as they are about academic standards. “I worry about young people lacking a sense of purpose and feeling stuck in this doom loop of detachment,” she said. “We’ve seen a worrying trend, particularly among young men, of exposure to extremist and misogynistic content online. I want schools to help them feel part of something bigger.”

Her remarks underscore growing concern within government about youth disaffection and online radicalisation. By broadening enrichment activities and bolstering literacy, Phillipson hopes to reduce the risks associated with alienation and disengagement from school life.

The education secretary also reaffirmed her support for scrapping the controversial two-child benefit cap, calling it essential to cutting child poverty. “We need to make the biggest possible impact we can on child poverty numbers,” she said. “The key test is whether, by the end of this parliament, there are fewer children in poverty than at the start.”

Phillipson acknowledged delays in overhauling the special educational needs (SEN) system but said reforms would prioritise children’s needs above bureaucratic concerns. “Parents tell me the system isn’t working, but they also worry about what’s next,” she said. “That’s why it’s vital we take the time to get this right and take families with us.”

Her comments come amid efforts to unite Labour MPs around the government’s education agenda and avoid internal divisions similar to those that plagued welfare reforms earlier this year. “It’s about children and their life chances,” Phillipson insisted. “It’s not about saving money — that’s why we’re investing more this year and more in every year that follows.”

Although she narrowly lost the deputy leadership contest to Lucy Powell earlier this year, Phillipson said the campaign marked “just the beginning” of her efforts to help Labour secure a second term. “I’ve already put education back at the centre of national life,” she said. “Now I’m going to press on and do more to make sure members are proud to campaign for a second term.”

Phillipson also addressed Labour’s current polling struggles, expressing confidence that the government could regain public trust before the next election. “Of course I look at the polls and recognise the challenge we face,” she said. “But polls are just a snapshot in time. We’re in government — we can turn it around.”

She urged colleagues to resist the temptation of opposition-style politics. “We can’t afford to go back to the days of luxuriating in the easy choices that come with opposition,” she said. “Anyone can hold a placard and feel good about themselves, but it doesn’t make a jot of difference to people’s lives.”

Looking ahead, Phillipson said Labour’s focus must remain on tangible progress. “At the next election, we have to make a positive case for what we’ve achieved and what we’ll deliver in a second term. It’s about showing, not just telling — people need to see their lives getting better.”

While she stopped short of confirming any leadership ambitions, Phillipson did not rule out future aspirations. “I’ve got a very big job in my hands as education secretary,” she said. “It’s the best job in a Labour government — and that’s where my focus is.”