Published by The Literacy Resource Hub
Fluency Check: While the Holborn Scale focuses on word recognition, also note if the child reads smoothly or hesitates frequently (Levels 1–5 of fluency). Unlocking Literacy: The Complete Guide to Free Holborn
For those new to using the Holborn Reading Scale, here are some free resources to get you started: State the purpose: to assess reading skills (word
2. Google Scholar & Academia.edu
Academics often upload full test manuals as supplementary materials for research papers. Use the exact phrase "Holborn Reading Scale" manual filetype:pdf. Look for preprints or institutional repositories. Participants : Describe the child/learner (age
Scoring: The number indicated on the last line they successfully completed (before failing four words) represents their Reading Age in years and months. Interpretation Guidelines
Because the Holborn Scale has been revised (Form A, Form B, etc.), Form A from the 1980s is sometimes shared in teacher forums like TES (Times Educational Supplement) or Reddit r/teachingresources. A user may post:
Before diving into free resources, it is critical to understand what the Holborn Reading Scale actually measures. Unlike simple word lists or phonics screens, the HRS is a continuous reading passage test. It typically consists of a series of graded prose passages (from Level 1 to Level 10+) that children read aloud.