What is a “reading age”? A reading age  compares a child’s reading performance with the average performance of children at a particular age. Many schools use standardised tests to estimate it and to provide a Standard Age Score (SAS)  that benchmarks against the national norm. Reading ages are derived from test scale scores at different age points; they are not  the same as overall reading attainment or writing ability. Why schools use it Benchmarking:  Helps teachers see whe