Thought Leadership Roundtables
How do we improve literacy in London?
With almost 40% of learners in England failing their English GCSE, we need to act to improve literacy at schools. We are bringing together voices in London from across the education spectrum to help solve this challenge.
You can find the insights from the roundtable discussion below. To be part of future events and gain the educational insights to support your development, join the Transforming Education Alliance.
At the educational roundtable in London, educators, literacy specialists, and community leaders came together to examine the critical challenges facing literacy development in modern classrooms. Discussions ranged from attention spans to systemic barriers preventing widespread reading engagement, as the group challenged current practices and developed strategies together.
Key challenges identified
Declining reading motivation among students - Students increasingly question the value of reading, favouring instant gratification from screens and social media over books. The sentiment that “videos are better than reading” reflects a broader disengagement with text-based media.
Impact of technology on focus and writing skills - Short attention spans, autocorrect reliance, and casual digital communication have eroded traditional writing habits. Students often carry informal habits like lowercase "i" into academic work.
Reading without comprehension - Many students struggle with academic texts due to limited exposure to advanced vocabulary and comprehension strategies, perpetuating frustration and apathy toward reading.
Psychological barriers and fear of failure - Students who are hesitant to attempt difficult texts often cite a fear of looking “stupid,” further reducing engagement and skill-building opportunities.
Testing culture vs. reading for enjoyment - The focus on exams over pleasure-driven reading has created a transactional view of literacy, stifling creativity and intrinsic motivation.
Limited parent and community involvement - Parents who have had negative schooling experiences often fail to support reading at home. This gap leaves students without critical reinforcement outside school hours.
Over-reliance on AI - Students see AI tools as shortcuts, undermining the value of personal effort and the learning that comes from making mistakes.
A diversity deficit in reading materials - Curricula often lack texts that resonate with students’ varied cultural backgrounds, limiting their engagement and connection to reading.
Ten key takeaways for supporting school-wide literacy
1. Foster a school-wide literacy culture
Literacy must extend beyond English classes. Encourage every department to integrate vocabulary and reading comprehension into their curricula, creating a cohesive approach to literacy.
2. Meet students where they are
Leverage digital tools and formats like audiobooks and interactive apps to engage reluctant readers while bridging the gap to traditional texts.
3. Pre-teach vocabulary for complex texts
Equip students with the academic language they need to access challenging material confidently, enabling deeper comprehension and reducing frustration. Bedrock’s platform can facilitate this without the need for schools to create word lists themselves.
4. Create safe, engaging reading environments
Provide classroom libraries with diverse, accessible materials. Scheduled reading times allow students to develop stamina and explore texts in a low-pressure setting.
5. Involve parents in literacy efforts
Host workshops to help parents support reading at home, reframing it as a bonding opportunity rather than an academic chore. Provide resources to build parents’ confidence in their own literacy skills.
6. Promote oracy as a pathway to literacy
Encourage discussions about texts and public speaking exercises to develop comprehension, academic language, and critical thinking. Classrooms should be spaces of active dialogue, not silence.
7. Build confidence through small wins
Empower students with creative projects, book challenges, and peer-led reading groups to boost self-esteem and foster a sense of ownership in their learning.
8. Prioritise diversity in text selection
Introduce students to stories from varied cultural and social perspectives. Diverse characters and authors help all learners feel represented and invested in reading. Inspirational stories about big characters are a powerful tool to capture the imagination.
9. Use long-term, consistent interventions
Effective literacy programs require sustained efforts. Support strategies that span multiple years, ensuring students can build on their progress without interruption. Bedrock’s Tier 2 vocabulary platform gives learners a set curriculum from year 3 to year 11. Short term interventions don’t have the same impact.
10. Restore the joy of reading
Above all, schools should focus on making reading fun and fulfilling. By emphasising storytelling and imagination over testing, educators can reignite students’ curiosity and passion for books.
We dive deeper into these themes and many more in our best practice whitepaper, scheduled for release in February 2025.
Keen to be part of the community driving transformational educational outcomes through language? Join the Transforming Education Alliance today. We hope to see you at our next event.
