News & Events

Strengthening Literacy at KS3: New Funding and Support Opportunity for Secondary Schools

Saffron Teaching School Hub is pleased to share an important and timely opportunity for secondary schools, as the New Vision English Hub expands its offer to support Key Stage 3 reading provision.

This development comes at a critical moment for literacy across the education system. Research from the Department for Education (DfE) makes clear that reading is fundamental to education, underpinning pupils’ success across all subjects and forming the basis for communication, learning and future employment. Pupils who struggle to read are significantly more likely to struggle across the curriculum, as literacy is not only a subject but the primary means through which all learning is accessed.

A national challenge in secondary literacy

Despite sustained focus in primary education, evidence shows that literacy challenges persist, and often intensify during the transition to secondary school. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) reports that over 120,000 disadvantaged pupils move into secondary education each year below the expected standard in reading, with long-term consequences for attainment. Without targeted support, only a small proportion of these pupils go on to achieve strong GCSE outcomes.

Why KS3 reading support matters now

Recent evidence paints a compelling picture of the urgency for action. A 2026 UK survey of secondary students by Save My Exams found:

  • Only 33% read for pleasure regularly, while nearly one-third rarely or never read outside school
  • 57% report that reading speed affects their ability to complete exam papers
  • Nearly 40% feel their literacy skills have held them back academically

Wider research indicates a decline in reading engagement across secondary years, with reading levels plateauing and even dropping as pupils progress through school.

The OECD defines reading literacy as essential for participation in modern society – enabling young people to interpret, evaluate and engage critically with information in an increasingly complex world. Reading engagement is also strongly linked to attainment, with consistent evidence showing that pupils who read more and enjoy reading achieve better outcomes.

A targeted opportunity for secondary schools

In response to this evidence base, the New Vision English Hub is extending its support to secondary schools, with a clear focus on strengthening KS3 reading provision – particularly for pupils who are struggling with decoding, fluency and comprehension.

This enhanced offer includes:

  • Bespoke literacy specialist support, tailored to individual school contexts
  • Access to funding to invest in high-quality reading resources and staff training
  • A series of short, remote briefings for headteachers and reading leaders to explore the support available

Vicky Wright, newly appointed English Hub Lead, shared her enthusiasm for the expansion:

“Expanding into secondary schools is a vital step in ensuring continuity in reading support. We want to work alongside schools to ensure no pupil falls behind in their reading journey and to strengthen literacy outcomes across KS3 and beyond.”

A clear call to action

Improving literacy in secondary schools is not just the responsibility of English departments - successful schools prioritise disciplinary literacy, embedding reading, vocabulary and communication across all subjects.

The evidence is unequivocal: improving literacy at secondary level is one of the most powerful levers for improving outcomes across the curriculum and beyond. With significant numbers of pupils entering – and progressing through – secondary school without secure reading skills, the need for targeted, evidence-informed support has never been greater.

Saffron Teaching School Hub encourages secondary leaders to take advantage of this funded offer and consider how it could strengthen their school’s reading culture and provision.

Next steps for Secondary Leaders

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