Responding to results of the latest Progress International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) study, in which pupils in England were ranked in fourth place when compared to peers abroad,  James Bowen, assistant general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “While we should always be careful when interpreting international assessments, this is of course an opportunity to celebrate the excellent work that is taking place in schools and early years settings.

“Despite the enormous challenges of Covid and a chronically underfunded school system, teachers, leaders and pupils, have continued to defy the odds.

“They deserve huge praise for that. Now is the time for government to match the ambition of the profession and ensure that every school has the resources it needs to deliver for all pupils, across all areas of the curriculum.”