Literacy Intervention and Testing at The Hart School

At The Hart School, we are committed to ensuring every student develops the literacy skills necessary to thrive across the curriculum and beyond. To support this goal, we have a robust and inclusive literacy intervention programme in place.

Assessment and Identification
All students undergo a baseline reading assessment using the NGRT (New Group Reading Test) in September of each academic year. This provides us with a clear picture of each student's reading ability relative to their chronological age. For students receiving intervention, further assessments are conducted at key points throughout the academic year to monitor progress and tailor support effectively.

Targeted Support
Students whose reading age falls significantly below their chronological age are enrolled in our Reading Wise programme. This structured intervention is designed to accelerate reading development through evidence-based strategies and personalised learning.

For students whose reading age is slightly below their chronological age, we offer additional support through our Reading Buddies and Community Readers initiatives. These programmes foster reading fluency and confidence through regular, supportive reading sessions with trained peers and volunteers.

Rigorous and Responsive
Our testing process is rigorous and ensures that no student is overlooked. Every student identified as needing support receives a tailored intervention package, helping them to make measurable progress and build a lifelong love of reading.

Reading Buddies and Community Readers

We are proud to run two impactful literacy initiatives, Reading Buddies and Community Readers which are designed to create a love of reading and provide tailored support for our students.

Our Reading Buddies programme pairs younger pupils with KS4 and KS5 students for regular reading sessions. These peer-led interactions help build fluency, comprehension, and confidence in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Older students act as mentors, offering guidance and modelling positive reading habits, while younger readers benefit from one-to-one attention and the chance to develop their skills at their own pace.

Through our Community Readers initiative, members of the local community volunteer their time to read with pupils in small intervention groups during tutor time. These sessions are carefully structured to support students who need additional help with decoding, vocabulary development, and ability to read for longer periods. By working in small groups, pupils receive focused attention and consistent practice, helping to close gaps and accelerate progress.

Together, these programmes play a vital role in our whole school approach to literacy, combining academic support with meaningful relationships that inspire lifelong reading.