English as an Additional Language (EAL) Learners

Building literacy skills while developing English proficiency

Lexia Core5® Reading for Primary and Lexia PowerUp Literacy® for Secondary, are designed with features that specifically support pupils learning English as an additional language (EAL).

Our adaptive, research-based and classroom-proven literacy programmes help EAL students to build essential literacy skills whilst developing English proficiency.

• Builds a proficiency in the English language, alongside reading and comprehension.
• Supports understanding with task instructions served multilingually (if required), while maintaining immersion in English.
• Encourages independent learning through adaptive progression and intuitive design.
• Provides data-driven insights for teachers to provide targeted literacy intervention, without an EAL literacy specialism.
• Promotes confidence and engagement through engaging game-style interfaces and age-appropriate activities.

Primary

Core5® Reading provides young English language learners with structured, language-rich literacy instruction that supports both reading development and gaining proficiency in English.

Key features:

• Language support
  Whilst reading content is in English, pupils can hear directions for a task in their native language to reduce the barriers to understanding.
• Systematic instruction
  Core5® Reading explicitly teaches phonics, decoding and word recognition that helps EAL learners understand the fundamentals of English reading.
• Vocabulary and comprehension focus
  The activities within the programme build both language knowledge and conceptual understanding, which is critical for reading comprehension in a second language.
• Differentiated learning paths
  The programme automatically adapts to each pupil’s level, providing targeted support that reflects their progress and proficiency level.
  

Secondary

PowerUp Literacy® supports older learners, including secondary students from linguistically diverse backgrounds, to develop reading fluency, comprehension and academic language.

Key features:

• Designed for diverse learners
  Tailored for a wide range of abilities, including those still acquiring English language skills
• Focus on the three strands of literacy
  Covering word study, grammar and comprehension, the PowerUp Literacy® programme ensures students strengthen both decoding and meaning-making skills.
• A Structured and systematic approach
  Predictable, clear lesson design helps to support learners who benefit from consistency and clarity when navigating the English language.
• Empowers Teachers
  Even educators without EAL or literacy specialism can confidently deliver effective support through myLexia™ insights, progress tracking and resources.
  

Our literacy programmes combine adaptive technology with research-based pedagogy, helping EAL learner achieve measurable progress in English literacy. EEF exploratory analysis in a recent large-scale effectiveness study found that struggling readers with English as an Additional Language (EAL) made 3 additional months' progress in reading, more than struggling readers overall, although the relatively small number of EAL pupils in the sample means further testing is required to confirm this.

These programmes are trusted by 3,500+ schools across the UK to accelerate language development and enable equitable access to learning.