Independent evidence at scale
Lexia Core5 Reading was evaluated through a large-scale independent effectiveness trial involving 224 schools and almost 2,700 pupils, providing robust evidence of impact under real-world conditions.
Evidence You Can Trust. Meaningful Literacy Impact at Scale.
The latest independent Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) effectiveness trial explored the impact of Lexia Core5 Reading as a reading intervention for pupils identified as struggling readers.
The study built on encouraging findings from an earlier efficacy trial, which demonstrated Lexia's potential under optimal conditions. This subsequent effectiveness trial sought to determine whether those benefits could be replicated when delivered at scale in everyday school settings.
The evaluation involved 224 primary schools and almost 2,700 pupils across England, making it one of the largest independent studies of a literacy intervention in recent years.
Pupils in the intervention group used Lexia Core5 Reading for a recommended four to five 30-minute sessions per week over 12-24 weeks, alongside their usual classroom teaching.
The Results
The evaluation found that pupils using Lexia Core5 Reading made two months' additional progress in reading compared with struggling readers in control schools receiving their usual support. This effect was found in as little as 12 weeks' of programme use.
Alongside improvements in attainment, participating schools highlighted increased pupil engagement, improved reading confidence, and the value of Lexia's assessment and reporting tools in supporting targeted intervention.
Study Summary
+2 months' additional progress for struggling readers compared with peers receiving alternative support.
+2 months' additional progress for pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).
''The estimated impact on children eligible for free school meals was similar to the overall result, suggesting the programme could be a good investment for Pupil Premium spend''.
Promising evidence for EAL learners, who appeared to make more than three months' additional progress, although further research is needed to confirm this finding.
Positive impact across multiple aspects of reading, including word identification, application of phonics and reading comprehension.
Rated as high evidence strength and low cost by the EEF.
Why is two months' additional progress significant?
At first glance, two months' additional progress may sound modest. In reality, it represents learning gains beyond those normally expected and can help pupils close literacy gaps faster.
Importantly, these results were achieved in comparison with pupil receiving their school's usual reading support and interventions, not against pupils receiving no support at all. The findings therefore demonstrate the additional benefit Lexia can provide beyond existing provision.
For schools already investing time and resources in literacy support, this distinction matters. The trial shows that Lexia Core5 Reading can accelerate progress above and beyond the interventions schools would typically use.
Why These Results Stand Out
Positive impact in everyday practice
Pupils using Lexia Core5 Reading made an average of two months' additional reading progress, demonstrating meaningful gains in typical classroom settings.
Success beyond controlled research
Many programmes show promise in smaller, tightly controlled studies. Lexia demonstrated measurable impact during the more demanding effectiveness phase, where implementation is led by schools themselves.
Part of a highly selective group
Lexia Core5 Reading is recognised as an EEF Promising Programme. Just over 10% of programmes with completed EEF efficacy or effectiveness trials achieve this distinction.
More than positive results alone
To achieve Promising Programme status, interventions must demonstrate impact, secure evidence, effective implementation and good value for money.
Demonstrated value for schools
The EEF judged Lexia's impact to represent good value relative to its cost, helping schools maximise the return on literacy investment.
Supports Pupil Premium planning
The EEF's Promising Programmes resource highlights interventions shown to improve outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged pupils, making Lexia a strong evidence-informed option when considering Pupil Premium spending.
Watch the results explained
Want the key findings in just a few minutes?
Watch our short video for a clear overview of the study results and what they mean for schools. You’ll also hear directly from educators involved in the study as they reflect on their experiences of implementing Lexia Core5 Reading and the impact they observed with their pupils.
Download the Evidence Summary
Need to share the findings with senior leaders or colleagues?
Download our Evidence Summary, which highlights the key outcomes from the EEF evaluation in an easy-to-read format.
Meet the participating schools
Behind every piece of evidence are the schools, staff and pupils who brought the research to life.
We visited three schools that took part in the evaluation to hear about their literacy challenges, how they implemented Lexia Core5 Reading and the difference it has made in their settings.
Crockett's Community Primary School, Birmingham
Located in Smethwick, Crocketts' Community Primary School is a two-form entry primary school serving a diverse community.
Staff identified many pupils were arriving at school with lower levels of language and literacy development, something they partly attributed to screen use before starting school. The school also supports a high proportion of whose first language is not English.
During the EEF evaluation, staff reported seeing positive progress quickly, including among pupils with significant SEND needs. Following their experience in the study, the school expanded its use of Lexia Core5 Reading across the whole of Year 2 and now also uses the programme as an intervention throughout Key Stage 2.
Warcop CE Primary School, Cumbria
Warcop CE Primary School is a small rural school located in the Eden Valley, with around 85 pupils organised across four mixed-age classes. Like many rural schools, access to larger libraries and literacy resources can be more limited, making targeted reading support especially valuable.
The school noticed a huge impact upon starting the programme, particularly among lower attaining pupils who struggle with reading skills that may not have otherwise been reached in Guided Reading sessions.
Staff found that pupils engaged enthusiastically with Lexia Core5 Reading from the very beginning. Children particularly enjoyed earning certificates, celebrating their achievements and developing a strong sense of ownership over their own learning and progress.
Hill View Infants Academy, Sunderland
Hill View Infants Academy is a large four-form entry infant school in Sunderland, with around 445 pupils.
Although the school has relatively low levels of SEND and Pupil Premium eligibility, many families rely on wraparound childcare due to working commitments. As a results, opportunities for reading practice and homework at home can sometimes be limited.
Staff reported exceptionally strong engagement with Lexia Core5 Reading. Once daily routines were established, pupils became highly motivated to use the programme, with many children regularly asking "When is Lexia?", at the start of the school day.
Experience the research-proven impact in your own school
Independent research has demonstrated the positive impact that Lexia Core5 Reading can have for pupils identified as struggling readers.
Now it's your turn to see how it could support your learners.
Start a 30-day free trial and explore how Lexia can help you deliver structured, personalised reading support that adapts to your pupils' needs.
During your trial you'll have access to:
- The full Lexia Core5 Reading for up to 250 pupils.
- Unlimited access to myLexia reporting and progress monitoring tools.
- Expert guidance from our UK team to help you get started.
- Everything you need to evaluate the programme in your own setting.
Complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch to help you get started.
Start your 30-day trial
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