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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. Funded by the DFE, it has been developed by FFT and Royal Holloway, University of London in partnership with a network of schools and other academics.

Following on from in-person training sessions through Spring and Summer 2026 for all secondary state schools in England, schools can access a range of online training modules. The online 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?

Flexible online CPD portal

All staff can access 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 FFT literacy experts and researchers at Royal Holloway, University of London
  • Core content for all staff, with extra modules available for whole-school reading leads
Read our blogs
Access the Unlocking Reading portal

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.
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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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What does the Unlocking Reading CPD programme include?

Training

Online training sessions covering core module content will be running through Autumn 2026. Sign up for these live sessions via the Unlocking Reading portal.

Resources

Your school will have access to the Unlocking Reading portal and the online modular CPD programme for all staff, including additional resources and on-demand videos.

Flexible, modular CPD

The topics covered include:

  • Introduction to Unlocking Reading
  • 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
Access the online CPD digital platform
Access all module content, extension resources and sign up for live sessions via the Unlocking Reading portal.
Access the Unlocking Reading portal
Reading Assessment Programme

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

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    Read our blogs

    Hear from those who've experienced our training firsthand — a senior leader shares her pilot experience, while FFT's Education Literacy Adviser reflects on delivering the training.
    Attendee blog
    Trainee blog