We’ve got exciting news that we can’t keep to ourselves any longer…

From September, Roade English Hub is expanding its reach to support 10 secondary schools across the region—and yes, that could include yours! Backed by funding and rooted in research, we’re bringing our tried-and-tested reading expertise to Key Stage 3 with a bespoke support offer, starting with a comprehensive Reading Audit and ongoing guidance grounded in The Reading Framework (DfE, 2023). Why? Because fluent reading at Key Stage 3 is not a “nice to have”—it’s the gateway to the curriculum.

By the time pupils reach secondary school, it’s easy to assume they’ve “cracked reading.” But research—and reality—tells us otherwise. Too many students arrive in Year 7 without the fluency, stamina, or vocabulary needed to access complex academic texts. And as subjects become more demanding, the gap only grows.

The Reading Framework (DfE, 2023) reminds us that fluent reading is not just about decoding; it’s about comprehension, prosody, and confidence. Pupils who struggle with reading at KS3 can struggle with everything else—from history to science, from understanding exam questions to developing critical thinking.

At Roade English Hub, we believe it’s never too late to close the reading gap—and we have the tools, training, and funding to help.

What’s on Offer?

We’re looking for 10 secondary schools to join us next academic year. Our support is fully funded and tailored to your context. Here’s what you can expect:

✅ A Whole-School Reading Audit – We’ll work alongside you to explore current strengths and identify strategic opportunities, from teaching practices to leadership culture.

✅ Targeted CPD and Strategy Planning – Based on The Reading Framework, we’ll help you implement high-impact approaches in word reading, fluency, and comprehension, all while embedding a reading culture across departments.

✅ Ongoing Guidance and Networking –a small number of the schools will receive some ongoing support from our team.

✅ Funding - up to £3300 is available to support the school development work

And did we mention it’s free?

Best Practice in KS3: What Does It Look Like?

Drawing on The Reading Framework and our national partnerships, we advocate for a three-pronged approach to reading in KS3:
1. Identify and Intervene Early: Assess reading ages and fluency levels early in Year 7. Students who read below age-related expectations need immediate, targeted intervention—not in Year 9, not during GCSE prep—now.
2. Embed Reading Across the Curriculum: All teachers are teachers of reading. We support departments in explicitly teaching subject-specific vocabulary, modelling fluency, and guiding comprehension through high-quality texts.
3. Build a Culture of Reading for Pleasure: Yes, even in secondary! Reading for pleasure correlates with academic achievement and mental wellbeing. From library revamps to reading mentor schemes, small shifts make a big difference.

Get Involved

If we don’t secure fluent reading by the end of Year 9, we risk holding students back not just in school, but in life.
At Roade English Hub, we’re committed to making a difference. Are you ready to join us?

We’re currently selecting 10 forward-thinking secondary schools to be part of our first KS3 reading cohort. If you believe in equity, excellence, and empowering every pupil through reading, we want to hear from you.

???? Contact us at englishhub@roadeprimary.org

Let’s give every KS3 pupil the reading skills they need—not just to keep up, but to fly