DOCS

KS2 Reading Average

DfE Performance Tables

Last refreshed 30 January 2026 16:42
Back to all fields

KS2 Reading Average

DfE Performance Tables

Average scaled score in reading at Key Stage 2

Understanding KS2 Reading Average

The KS2 Reading Average shows the mean scaled score achieved by Year 6 pupils in the national reading assessment. This gives more detail than the simple pass rate, revealing how well students performed overall.

How Reading is Assessed

At the end of Year 6, pupils take a reading test that assesses their ability to:

  • Understand vocabulary in context
  • Retrieve information from texts
  • Make inferences from what they read
  • Identify how language and structure contribute to meaning
  • Compare texts and make connections

Understanding Scaled Scores

The test is converted to a scaled score where:

  • 100 is the expected standard threshold
  • Scores of 100-109 indicate meeting the expected standard
  • Scores of 110+ indicate working at greater depth
  • Scores below 100 indicate not meeting expected standard

The maximum possible scaled score is 120.

What the Average Tells You

  • School average of 105+: Strong reading outcomes, above national average
  • School average of 100-105: Meeting expectations
  • School average below 100: Below expected standard

Why Reading Matters

Strong reading skills are the foundation for:

  • Success across all academic subjects
  • Independent learning
  • Access to further education
  • Lifelong learning and opportunity

A school with high reading scores is equipping students with essential skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.

Technical Details

Column Name
read_average
Data Source
DfE Performance Tables

Coverage by School Phase

How many schools have data available for this field.

Primary
82% 14835 / 17910
Secondary
0% 0 / 1263
Secondary with Sixth Form
0% 0 / 2033
Sixth Form Only
0% 0 / 289
All-through
88% 238 / 269
Special
8% 181 / 2059
Independent
0% 0 / 1724
Good (80%+)
Moderate (50-79%)
Poor (<50%)

This field does not contribute to the performance score calculation.

Distribution by School Phase

Statistical distribution of values across schools.

Min
80.0
Max
116.0
Mean
102.21
Median
102.0
Std Dev
3.64
Schools
15254
Primary (14835)
6
51
1070
6627
5367
1666
48
80 84 87 91 94 98 102 105 109 112 116
All-through (238)
18
124
83
13
80 84 87 91 94 98 102 105 109 112 116
Special (181)
4
7
17
33
52
38
20
8
2
80 84 87 91 94 98 102 105 109 112 116

Related Fields

Fields that correlate with KS2 Reading Average. Click to explore.

Positive correlation
Negative correlation