Reaching Readers at KS3: From Diagnosis to Engagement

Why do confident readers still struggle at KS3? And how can leaders move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to address this with precision?

With reading firmly back in the national spotlight through the proposed Year 8 assessment, the National Year of Reading and a growing inspection focus on literacy across the curriculum; this webinar series aims to support school leaders to take purposeful, informed action.

Bringing together research, policy and classroom practice to help you strengthen reading outcomes at KS3, participants will explore the critical role of fluency, vocabulary and background knowledge in supporting comprehension, drawing on key research including Tim Rasinski’s work on expressive reading, alongside insights into reading for pleasure and reader identity from the Open University.

The series is designed to move beyond theory with practical approaches such as echo reading, structured talk and story-led learning. Through structured opportunities for analysis, application and reflection, participants will:
 
  • Evaluate and refine your current approach to reading at KS3
  • Develop targeted strategies that respond to your school’s context
  • Build confidence in questioning and improving existing practice
  • Leave with clear, actionable next steps to lead meaningful change
By the end of the series, you will feel better informed, energised and equipped to lead a strategic, nuanced approach to reading - one that supports every pupil to move from decoding text to truly understanding it.
Speaker
speaker thumbnail
Helen Prince

English Teacher and former Ofsted Inspector

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11 June 3:30 - 4:30

Why do pupils arrive at KS3 able to read, yet unable to fully understand? This session explores the gap between decoding and comprehension, focusing on the key barriers of fluency, vocabulary and background knowledge. You’ll be introduced to a clear diagnostic framework to help you move beyond generic literacy strategies and identify the root causes of reading difficulty with greater precision.
 
You will gain:

  • Clearer understanding of KS3 reading challenges
  • Insight into key barriers to comprehension
  • A practical framework to inform targeted next steps

25 June 3:30 - 4:30

How do we move from identifying barriers to genuinely engaging pupils in reading? This session focuses on translating diagnosis into targeted, practical approaches that support fluency, vocabulary and knowledge across the curriculum. You will also explore the role of reader identity and pupil interest, alongside strategies to build a reading culture that promotes both engagement and access.
 
You will gain:

  • Practical strategies to support reading across KS3
  • Approaches to strengthen engagement and reader identity
  • Clear next steps to enhance reading provision in your context

  • Executive Head, CEO, Headteacher/Principal 
  • Deputy Head/Vice Principal 
  • Aspiring leaders 
  • Middle leaders/HODs/Subject Specialists 
  • Governors and Trustees 
Teaching phase
  • Secondary
  • Primary 
  • Special/PRU