Book Band Benchmarking

We use a Reading Benchmark assessment tool from Reception to Year 2 to determine a child’s reading level and inform next steps in their learning. These benchmark assessments are widely used in primary schools to assess reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.

Levelled Texts: The system uses a series of levelled books, typically ranging from Level 1 to 30, that gradually increase in difficulty.

Running Records: Teachers conduct one-on-one reading assessments with pupils using a specific text and record the child’s reading behaviours, errors, and self-corrections.

Comprehension Questions: After reading, the pupil is asked a set of questions to check their understanding of the text – both literal and inferential.

Analysis and Placement: Based on accuracy (usually aiming for 90–95%), fluency, and comprehension, the teacher determines the child’s instructional reading level – the level at which they can read with support.

Planning Tool: The benchmark helps teachers to group pupils by similar reading ability, select appropriate texts, and plan guided reading sessions or interventions.

Purpose:
To identify a pupil’s current reading level accurately.

To track progress over time.

To inform teaching by highlighting strengths and areas for development.

To support targeted instruction, especially in early reading.

You can see the progress levels below with broad expected age ranges.