Celebrating KS3 Reading
We are delighted to celebrate the fantastic reading progress made by our Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) students this academic year.
Over the past year we have continued to place literacy at the centre of school life and embed it across the curriculum. Whether it is through targeted intervention, Company Time Reading, Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R), Literary Week, Sparx Reader, literacy-focused tutor activities, or the wider promotion of reading across departments, students have been encouraged to develop not only their reading ability, but also their confidence and enjoyment of books and learning.
The impact of this collective effort is becoming increasingly clear.
Across Key Stage 3
Our Autumn to Summer reading assessment data shows strong progress across all year groups, with students making significant gains in both reading age and Standard Age Reading Scores. Importantly, many students have also maintained secure reading levels, reflecting increasing consistency, resilience, and confidence in their reading skills.
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58% of students improved their Standard Age Reading Score
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21% of students improved their reading age
These outcomes represent much more than statistics. Improved reading ability supports students across every subject area, helping them to access the curriculum more confidently, develop stronger comprehension skills, and build the independence needed for future success.
Highlights Across the Year Groups
Students in Year 7 (I Group) demonstrated encouraging progress throughout the year, with 51% improving their Standard Age Reading Score and many more students moving into the Average+ reading bracket.
In Year 8 (II Group), students showed strong development in reading attainment, with significant movement into higher reading bands and continued improvements in reading confidence. 53% of students improved their Standard Age Reading Score.
Our Year 9 (III Group) saw an impressive 68% of students improve their Standard Age Reading Score, alongside continued growth in higher attainment levels.
What makes these achievements especially pleasing is the culture that sits behind them. Across the school, reading is increasingly becoming something students engage with positively and regularly.
This progress reflects the effort and determination shown by our students every day. Well done to all staff involved and especially to Amy Anderson, Senior School Literacy Lead, for driving these initiatives forward.
We are incredibly proud of the progress being made and look forward to building on this success even further in the year ahead.