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Logging in with a Sparx Reader username and password

Learn how to log in to Sparx Reader with your username and password, plus tips to fix common login issues.

Updated over 3 weeks ago

We highly recommend students log in with Single Sign-On (SSO) instead of a Sparx username and password, as this is more secure and removes the admin and blocker of passwords.

Please see this article for guidance on setting up Single Sign-On at your school:

How students log in to Sparx Reader


If your school uses multiple Sparx Learning products, students use the same login credentials for all products. They can also switch between Sparx systems through the user menu (by clicking on their name).

For new students

  1. Select their school and click 'Continue'

  2. Click 'New user' underneath the login fields

  3. Follow the steps to create their account:

    • Enter their name and date of birth

    • Note down their username

    • Create a password (minimum 6 characters)

For existing students

  1. Select your school

  2. Enter your username and password

  3. Click 'Log in'


Common student login problems and solutions


Incorrect school selected

  • If students in different schools use the same device to do their Sparx Reader homework (e.g. siblings), the student may be trying to log in to the wrong school

  • Check that "You are logging into [School Name]" shows the correct school

  • Click 'Switch school' to change schools if needed

Wrong username or password

  • Usernames are lowercase and don't include accents

  • Double-barrelled surnames retain hyphens (e.g., jamessmith-jones)

  • Passwords must be at least 6 characters

  • Check for typing errors

Checking login status

You can check a student's login status in Student Manager:

  • 'Never logged in' indicates that the student hasn't activated their account

  • 'Reading Test not complete' means they have not done a reading test (if set) or they have not read the test book

  • 'Account set up' means they have completed the onboarding process and can do homework

You can also check their status and last login time on the student's profile


How teachers log in to Sparx Reader


For new teachers

  1. Make sure you have been added to your school's Sparx Reader site by your Sparx Reader Leader, or anyone in the Reader team

  2. Click on the link in your welcome email and set your password.

  3. Select your school

  4. Enter your email address (as your username) and password

  5. Click 'Log in'

For existing teachers

  1. Select your school

  2. Enter your email address (as your username) and password

  3. Click 'Log in'


Common teacher login problems and solutions


I have not received my welcome email

  • Emails are sent from [email protected] - try searching your inbox for this address

  • Check your junk folder

  • Check with IT that this email address is marked as safe so it lets this and future emails through

My welcome email link has expired

Ask someone with a Sparx Reader login to resend your welcome email from Staff Manager, by ticking your name (and any others) and then pressing the 'Resend welcome emails' button.


Frequently asked questions


What should I do if a student says they're entering the correct details but still can't log in?

  • Ensure they're using the correct school

  • Check that they're typing their username exactly as shown in Student Manager

  • Check that their password is correct

  • If needed, trigger a new password reset while they're with you

Why do students sometimes get locked out of their accounts?

To protect student data, accounts are temporarily locked after multiple failed login attempts.

This usually resolves automatically after a few minutes, but teachers can trigger a password reset to provide immediate access if needed.

Can I print off student passwords?

No, this isn't possible - students set their own Sparx password when they first log in. As Sparx is adaptive, it's essential passwords are not shared in this way to avoid other people logging in and affecting their work.

What should I do if it says the student's account doesn't exist?

If a student is new to your school or has recently been added to a class:

  • Check they appear in your Sparx Reader site by searching for their name

  • Changes in your school's MIS system sync overnight, so new students should appear the next day

  • Carry out a manual sync to check if they appear

  • If they don't appear after 24 hours, contact us using the 'Help & Support' option in your Sparx Reader site.

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