Unlocking Reading

A new DFE-funded CPD programme to support struggling readers in secondary schools

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What is Unlocking Reading?

The Unlocking Reading programme is designed to build confidence, capability and knowledge for schools to support secondary-aged pupils with reading needs. It has been developed by FFT and Royal Holloway (University of London) in partnership with a network of schools and other academics.

With DFE funding, all state schools in England will be able to attend in-person training in the Spring term 2026 and access a range of supporting online training modules. The CPD programme is tailored for teachers, teaching assistants and school leaders and will support struggling readers, embedding a whole-school approach to improving reading and attainment.

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What's included?

Free In Person Training Session for every secondary school

Join FFT's Literacy Experts at one of our nationwide roadshow events designed to support secondary schools in improving reading outcomes.
  • Held at 20 venues across England
  • Half-day sessions (approx 3 hours)
  • Two delegates per school (SLT and a whole-school Reading Lead)
  • Practical, expert-led training at no cost
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Flexible Online CPD Platform

Alongside the in-person training, all staff can access on-demand training through the Unlocking Reading website.
  • 10 modules covering a range of topics
  • Practical, evidence-based strategies tested in real school settings
  • On-demand video content
  • Suitable for teachers, TAs, and leaders
  • Developed by literacy experts and researchers at Royal Holloway, University of London
  • Core content for all staff, with extra modules available for whole-school Reading Leads
Coming soon

Supporting older pupils reading needs

Giving Educators the practical reading strategies needed

25%

of pupils start secondary school in Year 7 below the expected standard in Reading*

37%

of disadvantaged pupils start secondary school in Year 7 below the expected standard in Reading*

58%

of SEN pupils start secondary school in Year 7 below the expected standard in Reading*
*(DFE, 2025 KS2 National Tests)

Who is Unlocking Reading for?

This free programme for secondary schools is designed for all school staff: teachers, teaching assistants, middle leaders, senior leaders and a whole-school reading lead. The CPD will develop skills and confidence for supporting students who struggle with reading, promoting a whole-school approach to improving reading and education outcomes.
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DFE-funded programme

Unlocking Reading is free to access for all secondary schools and funded by the Department for Education.
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How can schools access the Unlocking Reading programme?

All schools will be able to send two delegates to the Unlocking Reading training sessions in the Spring Term 2026. We will release the venues and dates in November. Schools can express an interest now to make sure we know who the main contact is in your school for Unlocking Reading.
Express interest
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or

Bespoke one-day CPD

  • One-day training session
  • Face-to-face at your school
  • Guides to support the effective implementation of Reciprocal Reading
  • Online access to example plans, videos, text suggestions, book journals
  • A Facebook group for networking and school support

From

£750

+VAT

What does the Unlocking Reading CPD programme include?

Training

Half-day, in-person training sessions for two members of school staff—typically a senior leader and the Reading Lead—delivered by our team of Literacy Experts at venues across England.

Resources

Alongside the face-to-face training your school will have access to the Unlocking Reading website and online modular CPD programme for all staff, including additional resources and on-demand videos.

Flexible, modular CPD

The topics covered will include:

  • Science of Reading
  • Leading whole-school reading
  • Assessment and diagnosing reading needs
  • Decoding skills and reading fluency
  • Reading comprehension
  • Supporting reading in the classroom
  • Delivering high-impact interventions
  • Diverse learners
  • Supporting reading across all disciplines

Coming soon

Access the online CPD digital platform
FFT Education alongside a team of Researchers at Royal Holloway are currently working on our online digital platform which will be ready in 2026. This will be accessible in conjunction with the DFE-funded in-person training.
Reading Assessment Programme

Find out more about Unlocking Reading

State-funded secondary schools in England can register interest and let us know who will be the main contact for Unlocking Reading in your school. 

We will contact you in November with further information to register two delegates in your school for the half-day CPD training (Spring Term) at venues across the country.

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