English Online and Phonics Plus announcement

As outlined in the School Update, the government has announced changes to the requirements for primary schools regarding the English Online Interview (EOI) assessments, as well as a shortened timeline for the transition to the phonics mandate.

Key points:

• Commencing in 2025 the EOI prep student interview requirements will be optional for schools to complete. For Year 1 students, schools will be required to complete either the EOI assessment or the new phonics check.

   

• As from 2026, the EOI assessment will be de-commissioned and no longer available for schools to use.  The phonics check will become mandatory for all students in Year 1 only.

   

• Schools will continue to receive CRT funding in 2025 to support the implementation of the Year 1  EOI or phonics check (ie funding equivalent of 2 CRT days for each Year 1 teacher).

   

• The government has also announced one-off funding to support schools to implement the reading mandate.  This will be paid directly to schools via the SRP, with schools advised of their funding amounts early in Term 1, 2025.