Phonics Screening Check Past Papers (2012–2026)
Practising with real past papers is one of the calmest, most useful things you can do before the check. Below is every official Year 1 phonics screening check paper from 2012 to 2026 — thirteen papers in total (there was no check in 2020 or 2021; see why below) — turned into free, no-login practice you can run at home, with the full word lists so you know exactly what your child will meet.
Tap “Practise the [year] paper” on any paper below to go straight into that check in the app. Each one has the same shape as the real thing: 40 words, split into two sections of 20, alien (made-up) words first in each section, then real words.
How the papers are built
Every year the Department for Education publishes a new phonics screening check. The format never changes: 40 words in total, half of them real words like “chess” or “drill”, and half made-up alien words like “vaff” or “splace”. The alien words are shown next to a friendly monster so a child knows not to try to turn them into real words. Difficulty builds gently: short two- and three-sound words first, longer words with trickier letter patterns later.
Because the words are published after each check, they make perfect practice material — your child sees the genuine style and difficulty, not an imitation. Here are all thirteen papers, newest first.
Why there’s no 2020 or 2021 paper
You won’t find a 2020 or 2021 paper here because none exists: the Year 1 phonics screening check was cancelled nationally both years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with most other statutory primary assessments. Schools were closed to most pupils for large stretches of both academic years, so the check simply didn’t run. The check returned as normal in 2022, and every paper from 2012 up to that gap, and every paper since, is below.
Phonics screening check 2026
2026
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2026 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| jad | Uses the 'j' from 'jet', rhymes with 'sad' — /dʒæd/. |
| kib | Uses the 'k' from 'kit', rhymes with 'bib' — /kɪb/. |
| tep | Uses the 't' from 'tub', rhymes with 'step' — /tɛp/. |
| ips | Uses the 'i' from 'inn', rhymes with 'lips' — /ɪps/. |
| vaff | Combines the 'v' from 'vest' and the 'aff' from 'affect' — /væf/. |
| qued | Uses the 'qu' from 'quid', rhymes with 'red' — /kwɛd/. |
| dorl | Combines the 'd' from 'dear' with the 'or' from 'for' and the 'l' from 'fool' — /dɔːl/. |
| shars | Uses the 'sh' from 'sheep', rhymes with 'stars' — /ʃɑːs/ or /ʃɑːz/. |
| skop | Uses the 'sk' from 'skim', rhymes with 'stop' — /skɒp/. |
| crort | Uses the 'cr' from 'crawl', rhymes with 'snort' — /krɔːt/. |
| zint | Uses the 'z' from 'zips', rhymes with 'hint' — /zɪnt/. |
| veest | Combines the 'v' from 'views' with the 'ee' from 'feeds' and the 'st' from 'first' — /viːst/. |
| jair | Uses the 'j' from 'joke', rhymes with 'lair' — /dʒɛə/. |
| plute | Uses the 'pl' from 'place', rhymes with 'flute' — /pluːt/. |
| yurp | Uses the 'y' from 'yard', rhymes with 'burp' — /jɜːp/. |
| phime | Uses the 'ph' from 'phone', rhymes with 'grime' — /faɪm/. |
| grusp | Uses the 'gr' from 'grunt', rhymes with 'cusp' — /grʌsp/. |
| gloast | Uses the 'gl' from 'glow', rhymes with 'boast' — /gləʊst/. |
| splace | Uses the 'spl' from 'split', rhymes with 'face' — /spleɪs/. |
| scrant | Uses the 'scr' from 'scrape', rhymes with 'chant' — /skrɑːnt/. |
The 20 real words (2026): shed, lock, foot, chess, clip, drill, junk, quilt, low, clean, dirt, theme, craft, grains, scram, splits, eaten, orbits, kicking, smoother.
Phonics screening check 2025
2025
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2025 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| dup | Uses the 'd' from 'dig', rhymes with 'cup' — /dʌp/ or /dʊp/. |
| hib | Uses the 'h' from 'hill', rhymes with 'bib' — /hɪb/. |
| gox | Uses the 'g' from 'gap', rhymes with 'box' — /gɒks/. |
| ags | Uses the 'a' from 'at', rhymes with 'bags' — /ægz/ or /ægs/. |
| yech | Uses the 'ye' from 'yell' with the 'ch' in 'check' or 'school' — /jɛtʃ/ or /jɛk/. |
| quog | Uses the 'qu' from 'quiz', rhymes with 'smog' — /kwɒg/. |
| loip | Combines the 'l' from 'leap' with the 'oi' from 'boil' and the 'p' from 'loop' — /lɔɪp/. |
| chuss | Uses the 'ch' from 'chick', rhymes with 'fuss' — /tʃʌs/ or /tʃʊs/. |
| clen | Uses the 'cl' from 'clap', rhymes with 'then' — /klɛn/. |
| stizz | Uses the 'st' from 'stick', rhymes with 'whizz' — /stɪz/. |
| pult | Combines the 'p' from 'park' with the 'u' from 'gulp' and the 'lt' from 'melt' — /pʌlt/ or /pʊlt/. |
| heeft | Combines the 'h' from 'hair' with the 'ee' from 'keep' and the 'ft' from 'swift' — /hiːft/. |
| jigh | Uses the 'j' from 'jump', rhymes with 'high' — /dʒaɪ/. |
| saunt | Uses the 's' from 'seeds', rhymes with 'taunt' — /sɔːnt/. |
| virp | Uses the 'v' from 'void', rhymes with 'chirp' — /vɜːp/ or /vɜrp/. |
| phope | Uses the 'ph' from 'photo', rhymes with 'scope' — /fəʊp/. |
| sleft | Uses the 'sl' from 'slant', rhymes with 'theft' — /slɛft/. |
| thresk | Uses the 'thr' from 'throw', rhymes with 'desk' — /θrɛsk/ or /ðrɛsk/. |
| spleg | Uses the 'spl' from 'split', rhymes with 'peg' — /splɛg/. |
| strume | Uses the 'str' from 'strap', rhymes with 'plume' — /struːm/. |
The 20 real words (2025): quiz, sell, form, shark, snip, clang, bunk, boils, pie, found, boom, shake, spelt, floats, scrub, scribe, delay, statue, counter, grateful.
Phonics screening check 2024
2024
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2024 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| nop | Uses the 'n' from 'net', rhymes with 'mop' — /nɒp/. |
| yim | Uses the 'y' from 'yell', rhymes with 'dim' — /jɪm/. |
| zeg | Uses the 'z' from 'zip', rhymes with 'peg' — /zɛg/. |
| ild | Combines the 'i' from 'ill' and the 'ld' from 'hold' — /ɪld/. |
| jick | Uses the 'j' from 'just', rhymes with 'pick' — /dʒɪk/. |
| sheb | Uses the 'sh' from 'ship', rhymes with 'web' — /ʃɛb/. |
| deeg | Combines the 'd' from 'doom' with the 'ee' from 'weed' and the 'g' from 'big' — /diːg/. |
| quish | Uses the 'qu' from 'quick', rhymes with 'swish' — /kwɪʃ/. |
| brop | Uses the 'br' from 'brew', rhymes with 'chop' — /brɒp/. |
| sleen | Uses the 'sl' from 'slurp', rhymes with 'green' — /sliːn/. |
| sint | Uses the 's' from 'salt', rhymes with 'mint' — /sɪnt/. |
| doilt | Uses the 'd' from 'dairy', rhymes with 'spoilt' — /dɔɪlt/. |
| bew | Uses the 'b' from 'bar', rhymes with 'grew' — /buː/. |
| clune | Uses the 'cl' from 'close', rhymes with 'prune' — /kluːn/. |
| baup | Combines the 'b' from 'bell' with the 'au' from 'audio' and the 'p' from 'hop' — /bɔːp/. |
| cheve | Uses the 'ch' from 'chime', rhymes with 'Steve' — /tʃiːv/. |
| blenk | Combines the 'bl' from 'blast' with the 'e' from 'bless' and the 'nk' from 'sink' — /blɛnk/. |
| froast | Uses the 'fr' from 'frost', rhymes with 'toast' — /frəʊst/. |
| scrup | Uses the 'scr' from 'scrape', rhymes with 'cup' — /skrʌp/ or /skrʊp/. |
| sprace | Uses the 'spr' from 'sprint', rhymes with 'pace' — /spreɪs/. |
The 20 real words (2024): shin, fang, sort, chill, fled, speck, ramp, corns, bar, sneak, curl, doze, plank, shrimp, split, stripe, relay, ending, dolphin, crackers.
Phonics screening check 2023
2023
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2023 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| fod | Uses the 'f' from 'fur', rhymes with 'nod' — /fɒd/. |
| bep | Uses the 'b' from 'big', rhymes with 'step' — /bɛp/. |
| zat | Uses the 'z' from 'zoo', rhymes with 'cat' — /zæt/. |
| ult | Uses the 'u' from 'umbrella', rhymes with 'adult' — /ʊlt/ or /ʌlt/. |
| heng | Combines the 'h' from 'hall' with the 'e' in 'step' and the 'ng' in 'sing' — /hɛŋ/. |
| shob | Uses the 'sh' from 'show', rhymes with 'blob' — /ʃɒb/. |
| farn | Uses the 'f' from 'foil', rhymes with 'barn' — /fɑːn/ or /fɑrn/. |
| chesh | Uses the 'ch' from 'chess', rhymes with 'fresh' — /tʃɛʃ/. |
| trun | Uses the 'tr' from 'trap', rhymes with 'spun' — /trʌn/ or /trʊn/. |
| glork | Uses the 'gl' from 'gloom', rhymes with 'fork' — /glɔːk/ or /glɔrk/. |
| remp | Combines the 'r' from 'rack' with the 'e' from 'belt' and the 'mp' from 'lamp' — /rɛmp/. |
| deebs | Combines the 'd' from 'daily' with the 'ee' from 'beech' and the 'bs' from 'grabs' — /diːbs/ or /diːbz/. |
| jer | Uses the 'j' from 'jaw', rhymes with 'her' — /dʒɜː/ or /dʒɜr/. |
| drave | Uses the 'dr' from 'drone', rhymes with 'shave' — /dreɪv/. |
| teap | Uses the 't' from 'tail', rhymes with 'heap' — /tiːp/. |
| phibe | Uses the 'ph' from 'phone', rhymes with 'tribe' — /faɪb/. |
| slimp | Uses the 'sl' from 'slide', rhymes with 'crimp' — /slɪmp/. |
| craint | Uses the 'cr' from 'creep', rhymes with 'paint' — /kreɪnt/. |
| splet | Uses the 'spl' from 'splash', rhymes with 'bet' — /splɛt/. |
| strave | Uses the 'str' from 'string', rhymes with 'crave' — /streɪv/. |
The 20 real words (2023): chip, hill, jars, shack, twin, crack, tuft, ports, boy, scoop, foam, white, swept, dreams, scrap, strike, elbow, tailor, sequins, whirling.
Phonics screening check 2022
2022
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2022 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| bem | Uses the 'b' from 'bad', rhymes with 'gem' — /bɛm/. |
| dax | Uses the 'd' from 'den', rhymes with 'Max' — /dæks/. |
| kig | Uses the 'k' from 'key', rhymes with 'dig' — /kɪg/. |
| eld | Combines the 'e' from 'egg' with the 'ld' from 'old' — /ɛld/. |
| besh | Uses the 'b' from 'ball', rhymes with 'mesh' — /bɛʃ/. |
| quab | Uses the 'qu' from 'quid', rhymes with 'jab' or 'swab' — /kwæb/ or /kwɒb/. |
| barp | Uses the 'b' from 'boil', rhymes with 'harp' — /bɑːp/ or /bɑrp/. |
| chell | Uses the 'ch' from 'check', rhymes with 'smell' — /tʃɛl/. |
| grux | Uses the 'gr' from 'grin', rhymes with 'flux' — /grʌks/ or /grʊks/. |
| smung | Uses the 'sm' from 'smell', rhymes with 'flung' — /smʌŋ/ or /smʊŋ/. |
| nesk | Uses the 'n' from 'newt', rhymes with 'desk' — /nɛsk/. |
| foint | Uses the 'f' from 'ferry', rhymes with 'point' — /fɔɪnt/. |
| vair | Uses the 'v' from 'vest', rhymes with 'hair' — /vɛə/ or /vɛər/. |
| cloat | Uses the 'cl' from 'clean', rhymes with 'float' — /kləʊt/. |
| tirt | Uses the 't' from 'torn', rhymes with 'dirt' — /tɜːt/ or /tɜrt/. |
| whike | Uses the 'wh' from 'whale', rhymes with 'spike' — /waɪk/. |
| plunt | Uses the 'pl' from 'plank', rhymes with 'stunt' — /plʌnt/ or /plʊnt/. |
| flards | Uses the 'fl' from 'flank', rhymes with 'cards' — /flɑːdz/ or /flɑːds/. |
| spran | Uses the 'spr' from 'sprint', rhymes with 'plan' — /spræn/. |
| splew | Uses the 'spl' from 'splash', rhymes with 'blue' — /spluː/. |
The 20 real words (2022): thud, hang, coin, shell, twig, flick, vest, horns, globe, teams, bowl, chase, print, clouds, spree, stroke, visit, fabric, trapeze, concrete.
Phonics screening check 2019
2019
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2019 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| sut | Uses the 's' from 'sip', rhymes with 'cut' — /sʌt/ or /sʊt/. |
| yad | Uses the 'y' from 'yes', rhymes with 'mad' — /jæd/. |
| dop | Uses the 'd' from 'day', rhymes with 'mop' — /dɒp/. |
| uct | Combines the 'u' from 'ugly' with the 'ct' from 'act' — /ʌkt/ or /ʊkt/. |
| meck | Uses the 'm' from 'mash', rhymes with 'neck' — /mɛk/. |
| shig | Uses the 'sh' from 'shop', rhymes with 'twig' — /ʃɪg/. |
| joil | Uses the 'j' from 'join', rhymes with 'boil' — /dʒɔɪl/. |
| chort | Uses the 'ch' from 'chain', rhymes with 'snort' — /tʃɔːt/ or /tʃɔrt/. |
| blem | Uses the 'bl' from 'blow', rhymes with 'stem' — /blɛm/. |
| drell | Uses the 'dr' from 'drums', rhymes with 'shell' — /drɛl/. |
| fusp | Uses the 'f' from 'farm', rhymes with 'cusp' — /fʌsp/ or /fʊsp/. |
| quisk | Uses the 'qu' from 'quilt', rhymes with 'whisk' — /kwɪsk/. |
| vaw | Uses the 'v' from 'vet', rhymes with 'saw' — /vɔː/. |
| meast | Combines the 'm' from 'march' with the 'ea' from 'leaf' or 'deaf' and the 'st' from 'feast' — /miːst/ or /mɛst/. |
| waib | Combines the 'w' from 'wise' with the 'ai' from 'tail' and the 'b' from 'blob' — /weɪb/. |
| zome | Uses the 'z' from 'zero', rhymes with 'home' — /zəʊm/. |
| brend | Uses the 'br' from 'brown', rhymes with 'spend' — /brɛnd/. |
| throst | Combines the 'thr' from 'three' with the 'ost' from 'cost' or 'most' — /θrɒst/, /ðrɒst/, /θrəʊst/ or /ðrəʊst/. |
| stret | Uses the 'str' from 'stray', rhymes with 'bet' — /strɛt/. |
| spraw | Uses the 'spr' from 'spray', rhymes with 'draw' — /sprɔː/. |
The 20 real words (2019): shop, yell, peel, check, plug, sweep, soft, yards, few, fried, beak, cute, crust, trails, strip, scraps, label, vanish, blossom, thankful.
Phonics screening check 2018
2018
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2018 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| reb | Uses the 'r' from 'run', rhymes with 'web' — /rɛb/. |
| wup | Uses the 'w' from 'wig', rhymes with 'cup' — /wʌp/ or /wʊp/. |
| jub | Uses the 'j' from 'jam', rhymes with 'tub' — /dʒʌb/ or /dʒʊb/. |
| eps | Combines the 'e' from 'end' with 'ps', rhymes with 'steps' — /ɛps/ or /ɛpz/. |
| vuss | Uses the 'v' from 'vast', rhymes with 'fuss' — /vʌs/ or /vʊs/. |
| quop | Uses the 'qu' from 'quiz', rhymes with 'stop' — /kwɒp/. |
| zook | Uses the 'z' from 'zone', rhymes with 'book' — /zuːk/ or /zʊk/. |
| chack | Uses the 'ch' from 'chest', rhymes with 'track' — /tʃæk/. |
| skap | Uses the 'sk' from 'skin', rhymes with 'trap' — /skæp/. |
| blorn | Uses the 'bl' from 'black', rhymes with 'thorn' — /blɔːn/ or /blɔrn/. |
| meft | Uses the 'm' from 'mark', rhymes with 'left' — /mɛft/. |
| veems | Uses the 'v' from 'views', rhymes with 'seems' — /viːms/ or /viːmz/. |
| var | Uses the 'v' from 'vet', rhymes with 'car' — /vɑː/ or /vɑr/. |
| slirt | Uses the 'sl' from 'sleek', rhymes with 'dirt' — /slɜːt/ or /slɜrt/. |
| weaf | Uses the 'w' from 'wait', rhymes with 'deaf' or 'leaf' — /wɛf/ or /wiːf/. |
| pobe | Uses the 'p' from 'pale', rhymes with 'robe' — /pəʊb/. |
| flisp | Uses the 'fl' from 'flick', rhymes with 'crisp' — /flɪsp/. |
| braint | Uses the 'br' from 'break', rhymes with 'paint' — /breɪnt/. |
| scrid | Uses the 'scr' from 'scrap', rhymes with 'grid' — /skrɪd/. |
| splote | Uses the 'spl' from 'split', rhymes with 'wrote' — /spləʊt/. |
The 20 real words (2018): chop, sing, dart, shock, flat, skill, gift, coins, twice, gloom, turn, mode, blast, groans, spray, strike, delay, modern, saucers, charming.
Phonics screening check 2017
2017
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2017 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| dat | Uses the 'd' from 'dig', rhymes with 'sat' — /dæt/. |
| cag | Uses the 'c' from 'cot', rhymes with 'sag' — /kæg/. |
| rin | Uses the 'r' from 'rod', rhymes with 'tin' — /rɪn/. |
| ept | Combines the 'e' from 'ebb' and the 'pt' from 'apt' — /ɛpt/. |
| jash | Uses the 'j' from 'just', rhymes with 'dash' — /dʒæʃ/. |
| quib | Uses the 'qu' from 'quit', rhymes with 'glib' — /kwɪb/. |
| coid | Uses the 'c' from 'cart', rhymes with 'void' — /kɔɪd/. |
| quass | Uses the 'qu' from 'quick', rhymes with 'mass' — /kwæs/. |
| glog | Uses the 'gl' from 'glue', rhymes with 'frog' — /glɒg/. |
| blard | Uses the 'bl' from 'bloom', rhymes with 'guard' — /blɑːd/ or /blɑːrd/. |
| disp | Uses the 'd' from 'defy', rhymes with 'lisp' — /dɪsp/. |
| murbs | Uses the 'm' from 'marks', rhymes with 'curbs' — /mɜːbs/ or /mɜːrbs/. |
| tay | Uses the 't' from 'tie', rhymes with 'pay' — /teɪ/. |
| sloam | Uses the 'sl' from 'slime', rhymes with 'roam' — /sləʊm/. |
| zued | Uses the 'z' from 'zoom', rhymes with 'cued' — /zuːd/. |
| meve | Uses the 'm' from 'more', rhymes with 'Steve' — /miːv/. |
| clend | Uses the 'cl' from 'clamp', rhymes with 'spend' — /klɛnd/. |
| braits | Uses the 'br' from 'brick', rhymes with 'straits' — /breɪts/. |
| scrug | Uses the 'scr' from 'scrap', rhymes with 'plug' — /skrʌg/. |
| splue | Uses the 'spl' from 'split', rhymes with 'glue' — /spluː/. |
The 20 real words (2017): chum, kick, reef, short, blot, greet, dust, parks, high, feast, goal, shape, trunk, groups, straw, scribe, model, person, chapter, reptiles.
Phonics screening check 2016
2016
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2016 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| lig | Uses the 'l' from 'leg', rhymes with 'jig' — /lɪg/. |
| mep | Uses the 'm' from 'mat', rhymes with 'step' — /mɛp/. |
| gax | Uses the 'g' from 'get', rhymes with 'fax' — /gæks/. |
| emp | Combines the 'e' from 'end' and the 'mp' from 'amp' — /ɛmp/. |
| beff | Uses the 'b' from 'bill', rhymes with 'chef' — /bɛf/. |
| shup | Uses the 'sh' from 'shop', rhymes with 'cup' — /ʃʌp/ or /ʃʊp/. |
| doil | Uses the 'd' from 'deal', rhymes with 'boil' — /dɔɪl/. |
| charb | Uses the 'ch' from 'chain', rhymes with 'garb' — /tʃɑːb/ or /tʃɑːrb/. |
| frex | Combines the 'fr' from 'frog' and the 'ex' from 'rex' — /frɛks/. |
| criff | Uses the 'cr' from 'cramp', rhymes with 'tiff' — /krɪf/. |
| haps | Uses the 'h' from 'hits', rhymes with 'maps' — /hæps/. |
| barst | Combines the 'bar' from 'barn' and the 'st' from 'first' — /bɑːst/. |
| jigh | Uses the 'j' from 'jump', rhymes with 'high' — /dʒaɪ/. |
| woats | Uses the 'w' from 'warns', rhymes with 'coats' — /wəʊts/. |
| rird | Uses the 'r' from 'rail', rhymes with 'bird' — /rɜːd/ or /rɜːrd/. |
| phope | Uses the 'ph' from 'photo', rhymes with 'scope' — /fəʊp/. |
| glips | Uses the 'gl' from 'glows', rhymes with 'ships' — /glɪps/. |
| floost | Uses the 'fl' from 'flakes', rhymes with 'boost' — /fluːst/ or /flʊst/. |
| splam | Uses the 'spl' from 'split', rhymes with 'scram' — /splæm/. |
| stribe | Uses the 'str' from 'stroke', rhymes with 'scribe' — /straɪb/. |
The 20 real words (2016): chin, deck, horn, queen, tram, press, self, keeps, stair, haunt, lied, wove, drank, treats, scram, stroke, arrow, forest, wishing, brighter.
Phonics screening check 2015
2015
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2015 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| fip | Uses the 'f' from 'fan', rhymes with 'pip' — /fɪp/. |
| pon | Uses the 'p' from 'pet', rhymes with 'con' — /pɒn/. |
| hab | Uses the 'h' from 'hit', rhymes with 'dab' — /hæb/. |
| ulb | Uses the 'u' from 'us', rhymes with 'bulb' — /ʊlb/ or /ʌlb/. |
| dack | Uses the 'd' from 'deck', rhymes with 'sack' — /dæk/. |
| chob | Uses the 'ch' from 'chip', rhymes with 'blob' — /tʃɒb/. |
| nurt | Uses the 'n' from 'nail', rhymes with 'curt' — /nɜːt/ or /nɜːrt/. |
| queet | Uses the 'qu' from 'quiet', rhymes with 'greet' — /kwiːt/. |
| plap | Uses the 'pl' from 'plot', rhymes with 'wrap' — /plæp/. |
| froin | Uses the 'fr' from 'freed', rhymes with 'coin' — /frɔɪn/. |
| melp | Uses the 'm' from 'milk', rhymes with 'help' — /mɛlp/. |
| heent | Combines the 'hee' from 'heel' and the 'nt' from 'blunt' — /hiːnt/. |
| yair | Uses the 'y' from 'yoke', rhymes with 'hair' — /jɛə/. |
| blies | Combines the 'bl' from 'black' and the 'ies' from 'tries' or 'carries' — /blɪz/ or /blaɪz/. |
| keam | Uses the 'k' from 'keep', rhymes with 'beam' — /kiːm/. |
| whape | Uses the 'wh' from 'while', rhymes with 'grape' — /weɪp/. |
| braft | Uses the 'br' from 'brick', rhymes with 'craft' — /bræft/ or /brɑːft/. |
| thrant | Uses the 'thr' from 'throw', rhymes with 'plant' — /ðrænt/, /θrænt/, /ðrɑːnt/ or /θrɑːnt/. |
| sprop | Uses the 'spr' from 'spray', rhymes with 'drop' — /sprɒp/. |
| strow | Uses the 'str' from 'stray', rhymes with 'grow' or 'brow' — /straʊ/ or /strəʊ/. |
The 20 real words (2015): shed, long, soil, chart, crab, fresh, wink, shuts, law, glued, zoom, rice, grand, cloaks, scrap, strike, river, diving, beehive, midnight.
Phonics screening check 2014
2014
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2014 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| vol | Uses the 'v' from 'vet', rhymes with 'doll' — /vɒl/. |
| teg | Uses the 't' from 'tip', rhymes with 'peg' — /tɛg/. |
| jat | Uses the 'j' from 'job', rhymes with 'cat' — /dʒæt/. |
| ind | Combines the 'i' from 'ill' and the 'nd' from 'end' — /ɪnd/. |
| tull | Uses the 't' from 'time', rhymes with 'cull' — /tʌl/ or /tʊl/. |
| shog | Uses the 'sh' from 'sheep', rhymes with 'fog' — /ʃɒg/. |
| foid | Uses the 'f' from 'fine', rhymes with 'void' — /fɔɪd/. |
| thard | Uses either the 'th' from 'this' or the 'th' from 'thin', rhymes with 'shard' — /ðɑːd/ or /θɑːd/. |
| frem | Uses the 'fr' from 'frog', rhymes with 'them' — /frɛm/. |
| cloin | Uses the 'cl' from 'climb', rhymes with 'join' — /klɔɪn/. |
| bulm | Combines the 'bul' from 'bulb' and the 'm' from 'mask' — /bʌlm/ or /bʊlm/. |
| harnd | Uses the 'har' from 'harsh' and ends with the 'nd' from 'stand' — /hɑːnd/. |
| jair | Uses the 'j' from 'joke', rhymes with 'lair' — /dʒɛə/. |
| clain | Uses the 'cl' from 'clip', rhymes with 'plain' — /kleɪn/. |
| yewn | Uses the 'y' from 'yes', rhymes with 'strewn' — /juːn/. |
| tabe | Uses the 't' from 'tile', rhymes with 'babe' — /teɪb/. |
| clisk | Uses the 'cl' from 'close', rhymes with 'whisk' — /klɪsk/. |
| thrand | Uses the 'thr' from 'throw', rhymes with 'sand' — /ðrænd/ or /θrænd/. |
| strad | Uses the 'str' from 'strike', rhymes with 'sad' — /stræd/. |
| scroy | Uses the 'scr' from 'scream', rhymes with 'boy' — /skrɔɪ/. |
The 20 real words (2014): quiz, back, doom, short, freed, dress, fund, think, nigh, brown, main, rude, drink, crowds, splat, stripe, comic, giving, pumpkin, fighters.
Phonics screening check 2013
2013
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2013 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| fot | Uses the 'f' in 'fun', rhymes with 'pot' — /fɒt/. |
| keb | Uses the 'k' in 'key', rhymes with 'web' — /kɛb/. |
| gan | Uses the 'g' in 'game', rhymes with 'ban' — /gæn/. |
| ulp | Uses the 'u' in 'up', rhymes with 'gulp' — /ʌlp/ or /ʊlp/. |
| poth | Uses the 'p' in 'pot', rhymes with 'moth' — /pɒθ/ or /pɒð/. |
| shan | Uses the 'sh' in 'shut', rhymes with 'man' — /ʃæn/. |
| veen | Uses the 'v' in 'vest', rhymes with 'been' — /viːn/. |
| quorg | Combines the 'qu' from 'queen' with the 'org' from 'organ' — /kwɔːg/. |
| drap | Uses the 'dr' in 'drop', rhymes with 'trap' — /dræp/. |
| flarm | Uses the 'fl' in 'flaw', rhymes with 'harm' — /flɑːm/ or /flɑːrm/. |
| lect | Uses the 'l' in 'let', rhymes with 'sect' — /lɛkt/. |
| voisk | Combines the 'voi' from 'voice' with the 'sk' from 'mask' — /vɔɪsk/. |
| quigh | Uses the 'qu' in 'quite', rhymes with 'high' — /kwaɪ/. |
| herks | Uses the 'h' in 'hum', rhymes with 'perks' — /hɜːks/. |
| jorb | Uses the 'j' in 'job', rhymes with 'absorb' — /dʒɔːb/. |
| zale | Uses the 'z' in 'zag', rhymes with 'tale' — /zeɪl/. |
| bluns | Uses the 'bl' in 'blunt', rhymes with 'suns' — /blʌns/ or /blʊns/. |
| skarld | Combines the 'scar' from 'scarlet' with the 'ld' from 'fold' — /skɑːld/. |
| splot | Uses the 'spl' in 'splash', rhymes with 'dot' — /splɒt/. |
| strabe | Uses the 'str' in 'strain', rhymes with 'babe' — /streɪb/. |
The 20 real words (2013): thin, peck, torn, cheek, trap, snarl, milk, moist, toy, spike, fuel, name, props, spoilt, scram, strike, panic, second, tantrum, reaching.
Phonics screening check 2012
2012
40 words — 20 alien words then 20 real words, in booklet order across two sections.
Practise the 2012 paper
| Alien word | How to read it |
|---|---|
| pib | Uses the 'p' from 'pig', rhymes with 'nib' — /pɪb/. |
| vus | Uses the 'v' from 'van', rhymes with 'bus' — /vʌs/ or /vʊs/. |
| yop | Uses the 'y' from 'yes', rhymes with 'hop' — /jɒp/. |
| elt | Uses the 'e' from 'elk', rhymes with 'felt' — /ɛlt/. |
| desh | Uses the 'd' from 'desk', rhymes with 'mesh' — /dɛʃ/. |
| chab | Uses the 'ch' from 'change', rhymes with 'dab' — /tʃæb/. |
| poil | Uses the 'p' from 'point', rhymes with 'foil' — /pɔɪl/. |
| queep | Uses the 'qu' from 'queen', rhymes with 'creep' — /kwiːp/. |
| stin | Uses the 'st' from 'still', rhymes with 'tin' — /stɪn/. |
| proom | Uses the 'pr' from 'proof', rhymes with 'broom' — /pruːm/ or /prʊm/. |
| sarps | Uses the 's' from 'sardine', rhymes with 'harps' — /sɑːps/. |
| thend | Uses either the 'th' from 'this' or the 'th' from 'thin', rhymes with 'bend' — /ðɛnd/ or /θɛnd/. |
| kigh | Uses the 'k' from 'kick', rhymes with 'high' — /kaɪ/. |
| girst | Uses the 'g' from 'girl', rhymes with 'first' — /gɜːst/. |
| baim | Uses the 'b' from 'bait', rhymes with 'aim' — /beɪm/. |
| yune | Uses the 'y' from 'yule', rhymes with 'June' — /juːn/. |
| flods | Uses the 'fl' from 'flog', rhymes with 'pods' — /flɒds/. |
| groiks | Uses the 'gr' from 'groin', rhymes with 'oiks' — /grɔɪks/. |
| strom | Uses the 'str' from 'strong', rhymes with 'prom' — /strɒm/. |
| splaw | Uses the 'spl' from 'split', rhymes with 'saw' — /splɔː/. |
The 20 real words (2012): chip, jazz, farm, thorn, stop, truck, jump, lords, fair, flute, goat, shine, crept, shrubs, scrap, stroke, index, turnip, waiting, portrait.
Which paper should we practise?
Any of them — they’re all pitched at the same level. A sensible approach is to warm up with an older paper, then use the most recent 2026 paper closer to the check. Keep sessions short and light; five or ten words at a time is plenty. If a word is tricky, that’s good information, not a problem — pop back to it another day.
Not sure how the marking works, or what score to aim for? See our pass mark guide and the complete parent’s guide.