In this section you will find first-hand information and further resources to help you prepare for and pass the literacy skills test.
It is important that you demonstrate a high level of literacy in all areas of your work in school. This applies to all teachers, not just those with specific curricular responsibilities for literacy or English.
The literacy QTS skills test requires you to show that you can:
- spell correctly, especially words from a teacher's professional written vocabulary
- punctuate texts with a professional content in a helpful and consistent way, and
- understand and analyse the kind of texts teachers encounter in their professional reading.
You will not be tested on your knowledge of the English national curriculum or on how to teach it.
Resources
The following resources are available on this website to help you to familiarise yourself with the test format and, if necessary, improve your skills in the areas covered by the test:
- information on test content, structure and layout
- literacy benchmark test (interactive and non-interactive version)
- interactive practice tests
- a glossary of key terms, and
- a list of further resources.
You do not need to work through all the available resources in preparation for your literacy skills test. You should identify any areas in which you need support, and use the resources on these pages to refresh your skills in these areas.
Help
If you need further assistance, you can email our literacy helpdesk at literacyhelpdesk@tda.gov.uk.
