The reading, writing and language blog

Reading age in the UK: the role schools can play in improvement

Bedrock School Awards 2026 - Winners and Finalists Announced

How to take a forensic approach to unblocking barriers to reading and writing

Using your reading test results: 5 classroom implications

What to measure, when to measure it, and how to use the data

Inside real classrooms: how teachers and students helped shape the next generation of Bedrock

Getting implementation right

“But what does it look like on a rainy Monday morning?”

Why literacy fails — and how schools can overcome it

Why literacy is fundamental for GCSE results across subjects

In recent years, research has underscored the increasingly critical role of literacy in determining students’ success in GCSE exams across all subjects.

Why should grammar schools partner with Bedrock Learning?

Robert Marzano's 6 steps for effective vocabulary instruction

Effective vocabulary instruction is vital for academic achievement and language development.

A guide to Tier 1, 2 & 3 vocabulary

Understanding vocabulary development is essential for effective teaching, particularly when aiming to enhance students' language skills.

Why 'reading for pleasure' isn't enough: how to enhance children's reading comprehension

Reading for pleasure is championed as a fundamental practice to cultivate a love for literature and enhance literacy skills in children. While this practice is undoubtedly beneficial, is it sufficient on its own for the comprehensive development of reading skills essential for academic success?