Assessment Data Submissions

Deadline: Friday 19 June 2026
 

Step 1 - Check the LA list of Year 2 pupils who need to be re-tested.

Even if you believe all your Year 2 pupils achieved the Expected Standard when they were in Year 1, it is strongly recommended that you open the Year 2 pupil list to check. The list will be uploaded to Perspective in early May and will contain the Year 2 pupils who may require the PSC based on the Jan Census. Please be aware you may have had pupil leave or join your school since then, so this list may not be fully up to date.

Step 2 - Check you have the correct data entry sheets.

Select the data entry sheet that allows you to enter Phonics Screening Check (PSC) scores in. You will need to create two data sheets - one for Year 1 and the other for Year 2.
 

Step 3 - Check you have selected the correct pupils.

The correct pupils for this data return are:

• Year 1 - all pupils.
• Year 2 - pupils who do not have a recorded score or did not achieve the Expected Standard in Year 1.

Pupils who are on roll at the school during the PSC window and who sit the PSC with you should be included in your data. For guidance on pupils who move schools, visit section 8.2 of the STA's 2026 phonics screening check: administration guidance.
 

Step 4(a) - Enter assessment scores into the data entry sheets on your MIS.

Enter the Phonics score (from 0-40) for each child. Only enter a score of 0 if the pupil scored 0. For pupils who did not take the test, enter A, D, L, or Q in the Grade column. Do this for the Year 1 and Year 2 data sheets.

Regularly save your work so that you don't lose any data. In some MIS if you click on "Calculate" the MIS will perform checks to ensure all codes are entered correctly.

For more guidance on these codes, visit section 8.1 of the STA's 2026 phonics screening check: administration guidance.
 

Step 4(b) - If a result cannot be entered into the MIS.

Your MIS may not let you enter certain values. If this happens, go back to the teacher and check that valid codes are being used. In some MIS you can right click the data sheet, and it will show you the valid codes you can use.
 

Step 5 - Check for blanks.

Ensure all pupils that completed the Phonics Screening Check have either a score or a code, entered as per Step4(a). You should not have blanks.
 

Step 6 - Check you have the correct file to download in your Management Information System (MIS).

Your MIS should have a tool designed for Assessments data returns. Visit our MIS Guidance webpage to find links to guidance from different MIS providers.

Step 7 - Check the contents of the MIS data sheets.

Sometimes pupils are missed off at this stage. Take a moment to double check all relevant pupils have been included in the data sheet (see Step 3 for which pupils to include).
 

Step 8 - It is recommended that the Headteacher checks the data sheets at this point.

This is to spot any errors/mistakes before the data file is uploaded to Perspective.
 

Step 9 - Export the data sheets as a CTF/XML from your MIS.

Export one file containing both Year 1 and the relevant Year 2 pupils. If you are unable to export one file, please export a file for each Year group.
 

Step 10 - Upload the file or files to the Local Authority (LA) using 'File Request' on Perspective.

Check your emails for the 'File Request' email titled 'Phonics 2026 Data Collection' and follow the instructions. This will have been sent to the Headteacher or Lead/Phonics Perspective user at the school.

Visit our webpage on using Perspective for further information.

Deadline to upload: 19 June 2026
 

Step 11 - Check the file has been accepted in 'File Request'.

File Request will automatically display that the file has been 'successfully uploaded'.

Step 12 - What happens next.

1. The Local Authority will receive the file(s) and will import these into their data system.
2. Please wait 2 working days and then log back in to Perspective to check it has been 'Accepted' or 'Rejected'.
3. If rejected please respond to any error messages and correct any results where messages or errors are displayed. If there is a significant fault with the file, your school will also be contacted by the Data Team.
4. You will need to correct the issue/error(s) and submit a new file.  If submitting a new file always include all the pupils, not just the pupil(s) who had any error. Then resubmit the file as per Step 10.
5. If you need to make any amendments to your results please contact the Data Team ([email protected]).  You will not be able to resubmit through File Request after the original file has been 'Accepted', you will need to contact the Data Team in order to resubmit.
6. Schools that successfully submit their files by 5pm on Friday 19 June will receive a Summary Report in Perspective by Tuesday 23 June. This Summary report enables you to check that your data submitted is correct. It is imperative that this data is checked as this is what will be published for your school in the Autumn.
7. If there are any errors in the Summary Report, please contact the Data Team ([email protected]) immediately. You will not be able to resubmit through File Request after the original file has been 'Accepted', you will need to contact the Data Team in order to resubmit.

What to do if you have any problems

• Contact your MIS provider.
• For all queries please contact the Data Team via [email protected] or call Simon Porritt 01603 222837 & Alex Webb 01603 365823
• Visit Norfolk County Council's Assessment Data Collection webpage.
• Visit the Standards and Test Association's website.
• Visit these STA webpages for further information on the PSC:
  • 2026 phonics screening check: administration guidance - GOV.UK
  • 2026 phonics screening check assessment and reporting arrangements - GOV.UK
  • Preparing to administer the phonics screening check - GOV.UK