Introduction
The start of a new school year is brimming with opportunity. Fresh books, sharpened pencils and new opportunities for every learner. But the first term is more than just a settling-in period. It represents a critical window to identify and close literacy gaps before they widen, impacting confidence, motivation, and long-term success.
From teaching phonics and early reading strategies in Year 1 to supporting Year 7s as they navigate more complex secondary texts, acting early is crucial. Here’s why.
The Critical Window: Why Early Intervention Works
Research consistently shows that timely intervention is one of the most effective ways to support struggling readers. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) highlights that early literacy approaches deliver, on average, an additional four months’ progress (Education Endowment Foundation, 2023). Meanwhile, Ofsted (2022) stresses that “reading is the key to unlocking the curriculum,” urging schools not to delay support.
Catch issues early, and pupils are more likely to stay engaged and motivated. Miss that window, and literacy fatigue can set in: the demoralising sense of always being behind. By autumn half-term, gaps that might have been closed with targeted support can start to feel entrenched, leading to a cycle of avoidance and low confidence.
What the ‘Literacy Gap’ Looks Like in the Classroom
In primary classrooms, the early signs of reading gaps often appear as issues with decoding and fluency. Many teachers tell us that as texts grow more complex in Key Stage 2, children who once managed simpler books start to struggle, leading to a noticeable drop in comprehension and enthusiasm. Schools often report that it’s common to see some Year 3 pupils who can sound out words accurately but still lack the fluency to keep pace, and who begin to shy away from reading tasks as a result.
In secondary schools, the challenges for pupils with reading difficulties often become even more pronounced. Many schools tell us they see new Year 7s arriving with gaps that were manageable in primary but now hold them back across the curriculum. Limited vocabulary, weak inference skills, and poor reading stamina make it hard to tackle the dense, subject-specific texts that secondary learning demands. Pupils who struggled to keep up with reading in primary often find these demands overwhelming, impacting not just English, but their ability to access science, history, and even problem-solving in maths
The Cost of Waiting
Delaying targeted reading support until later in the year can have far-reaching consequences for pupils and for schools. By the time gaps are fully recognised in the spring term, they’ve often widened considerably. Struggling readers may have spent months masking difficulties, losing confidence, and quietly disengaging. Meanwhile, the pace of the curriculum continues, widening the gap between those who read fluently and those who are still grappling with the basics.
This isn’t just about literacy lessons. When pupils lack the reading skills to access age-appropriate texts, it places a barrier across every subject. Left unaddressed, small gaps in September can become entrenched barriers by June, impacting progress, self-esteem, and long-term outcomes.
Many schools find that “catching up by Christmas” is far more realistic than trying to close extensive gaps from scratch in the spring or summer. Early intervention not only lifts reading ability but also rebuilds pupils’ belief in themselves as learners. The earlier schools act, the more time pupils have to develop fluency, deepen comprehension, and engage fully with the curriculum.
Fortunately, there are effective, evidence-based tools available that help teachers respond quickly and efficiently, providing targeted support exactly where it’s needed, without adding to workload.
Tools That Help Teachers Respond Quickly
In today’s busy school environment, literacy interventions need to be both effective and manageable for teachers. The best approaches provide timely insights into each pupil’s reading skills, allowing staff to tailor support without adding unnecessary workload.
Adaptive programmes that automatically assess learners’ strengths and areas for development can be particularly valuable. They reduce the need for lengthy baseline testing and make it easier to group pupils according to their specific needs. Built-in differentiation helps ensure that every child receives appropriate challenge and support, while engaging activities maintain motivation and build essential reading skills.
At secondary level, supporting vocabulary development, inference skills, and reading stamina is crucial for pupils transitioning from primary school. Interventions that offer personalised learning pathways and clear progress data help teachers focus on the areas that will make the biggest difference for each student, while integrating smoothly into existing teaching routines.
By using tools that combine adaptability, clear data, and ease of use, schools can respond quickly to emerging literacy needs. This not only helps close gaps early but also supports sustainable, whole-school approaches to improving reading outcomes.
What Schools Can Do Right Now
School leaders aiming to close reading gaps early can take decisive, practical steps immediately. Here’s how to get started:
- Start a free Lexia Core5 or PowerUp trial. Experience firsthand how adaptive technology can transform reading support in your school, offering personalised learning paths and instant progress insights without adding to teachers’ workload.
- Screen key cohorts early. Early screening helps catch emerging reading difficulties before they widen, allowing for timely and targeted intervention. Lexia’s programmes include an initial assessment enabling teachers to both identify and address reading gaps all at once.
- Engage your EdTech lead and literacy coordinators. Collaboration across leadership and teaching teams ensures smooth implementation and ongoing monitoring of interventions, aligning literacy goals with broader school improvement priorities.
Taking these steps positions your school to act swiftly and strategically, closing gaps early, boosting pupil confidence, and ultimately raising attainment across the curriculum. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can make this critical start to the academic year your most impactful yet.
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References
Ofsted (2022) ‘Now the whole school is reading’: supporting struggling readers in secondary school, Accessed at: ‘Now the whole school is reading’: supporting struggling readers in secondary school – GOV.UK (Accessed: 14 July 2025).
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) (2023) Early literacy approaches. Early Years Toolkit. Available at: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/early-years-toolkit/early-literacy-approaches (Accessed: 14 July 2025).
