From Learning to Read to Reading to Learn - English Hub support extended to Key Stage 3

Many secondary leaders will recognise the reality: pupils arrive in Year 7 with a wide range of reading abilities. Some have not met the expected standard at the end of Key Stage 2, some remain disfluent readers, and others struggle with the language and comprehension demands of an increasingly complex curriculum. 

English Hub support extended to Key Stage 3

Under the leadership of Vicky Wright, New Vision English Hub is now extending its support into Key Stage 3 through a new DfE initiative focused on helping schools strengthen reading provision and improve outcomes for those pupils who need it most.  

This is not simply about intervention. It is about ensuring that all pupils can successfully access the curriculum. Reading remains one of the strongest predictors of educational success and continues to be a key priority for both the DfE and Ofsted. Through the English Hubs programme, the DfE has invested significantly in improving early reading and phonics in primary schools. This new Key Stage 3 offer builds on that success, recognising that some pupils continue to need targeted support beyond Year 6.  

The programme also aligns closely with Ofsted's continued focus on reading, curriculum access and support for pupils who struggle to read. Schools are increasingly expected to demonstrate how they identify barriers to reading, provide effective intervention and enable all pupils to access ambitious learning across the curriculum. By strengthening both targeted support and whole-school approaches to literacy, the programme helps schools respond to these priorities in a practical and sustainable way.  

The programme is designed to support: 

• pupils who still require a phonics-based approach to reading 
• pupils who enter secondary school as disfluent readers 
• pupils who need targeted support with language comprehension  
• schools seeking to embed effective reading strategies across the curriculum, not just in English lessons 

Secondary Reading Audit

At the heart of the offer is a fully funded Secondary Reading Audit, delivered by an experienced, secondary-trained Literacy Specialist. Working alongside your Literacy Lead, the audit will: 

• evaluate your current reading provision and support for struggling readers  
• review your whole-school approach to teaching reading  
• develop a tailored action plan focused on practical next steps 
• provide access to ongoing specialist support where appropriate  
• potentially unlock up to £3,000 of funding for training and resources 

What makes this offer particularly valuable is that it combines diagnosis, implementation support and capacity building. Rather than a one-off review, schools can access bespoke support designed to help leaders embed sustainable improvements over time.  

As schools continue to tackle the long-term impact of disrupted learning and increasing literacy demands, this programme offers a timely opportunity to review existing provision, strengthen practice and ensure that every pupil can engage confidently with the full secondary curriculum. 

Interested in finding out more? 

Secondary schools across Essex are encouraged to take advantage of this fully funded support. Whether you are reviewing your literacy strategy, looking to strengthen intervention, or seeking a sharper understanding of your current provision, the programme offers practical support grounded in evidence and school improvement expertise.  

To get started, schools can complete the Key Stage 3 Reading Support Referral Form and a member of the New Vision English Hub team will be in touch to discuss eligibility and next steps.  

This is an opportunity to build on existing strengths, close reading gaps and ensure that every young person develops the literacy skills they need to thrive in Key Stage 3 and beyond.