Unlocking Reading

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

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 secondary 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.

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

Express interest

Attendee blog

Flexible online CPD platform

Alongside the in-person training, all staff can access further content through live webinars and on-demand training through the Unlocking Reading portal.

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

Access provided following in-person training

Supporting older pupils with 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, SENDCOs 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.

DfE-funded programme

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

More

Book training now

Join one of our training sessions across England. All schools will be able to send two delegates to the Unlocking Reading training sessions in the Spring Term 2026.

Use the interactive map to find a location near you and book your training. Alternatively use the list of locations below to view dates and times in Eventbrite.

Training Locations

London

London - Book here

North West

Carlisle - Training delivered

Liverpool - Training delivered

Manchester - Training delivered

Preston - Training delivered

Midlands

Birmingham - Book here

Nottingham - Training delivered

North East

Middlesbrough - Training delivered

Newcastle - Book here

South West

Bournemouth - Training delivered

Bristol - Training delivered

Exeter - Training delivered

Plymouth - Training delivered

Yorkshire & Humber

Leeds - Training delivered

Sheffield - Training delivered

East of England

Norwich - Training delivered

Peterborough - Training delivered

South East

Brighton - Book here

Oxford - Training delivered

Southampton - Training delivered

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 a reading read - 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

What schools are saying

That was excellent – so robust and practical. We are buzzing and want to work with you more.

Amy Lloyd, Director of School Library Services

St Paul’s Way School

The training was very thought provoking and has helped us to formulate next steps as a school.

Natalie Wilson, Headteacher

King Edward VI Grammar School

The staff delivering the session were interesting and engaging.

Matthew Moore, Director of English

Magna Academy

Lots of information that was explored in an accessible, manageable way.

Michael Lomas, Whole School Reading Lead

Hornsea School and Language College

Brilliant facilitators. I appreciate the wealth of knowledge they had.

Elaine Ruxton, Whole-school Reading Lead

Tavistock College

An excellent session with really useful practical strategies.

Senior Leader

Secondary school in Hertfordshire

One of the best CPD sessions I’ve been on around reading. So often there is a lot of chat about the magic of reading and no practical advice. This was super helpful, thank you!

Whole School Reading Lead

Secondary school in Wiltshire

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 with further information to register two delegates in your school for the half-day CPD training (Spring Term 2026) at venues across the country.

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