Suggestions of improvements to primary school literacy's being deemed a great start

In 20 weeks, fifty-eight percent of students are at or above phonics expectations, compared to 36 percent in Term One.

More than 40-percent of students exceeded expectations in Term Three - more than double the first term.

Kaiapoi North School Principal Jason Miles says the voluntary data covers some children at 20 weeks, but will become compulsory next year.

He says educators are interested in children's improvement over time.