Writers for Life intervention

A different kind of programme.

Writing provides a valuable vehicle for children to express ideas, thoughts and feelings and to deepen understanding. It plays a vital role in learning and academic attainment.

However, our research has shown that children’s writing enjoyment has almost halved over the past 15 years. In 2025, only 1 in 4 (26.6%) of children aged 8-18 say they enjoy writing in their free time.

This poses long-term implications for learning and literacy outcomes. Writing now ranks as the lowest-performing area in national assessments, falling even below mathematics.

Key Stage 2 is a crucial time for children’s learning as they develop the skills they need for transition and ongoing learning. In your primary school, do you have KS2 pupils who would benefit from concentrated support to boost their writing capability, accelerate their progress – and connect them with the self-motivation to write?

Building on our existing success in supporting and developing primary writing, the Writers for Life intervention aims to improve writing quality and empower children to take ownership of the writing process.

How does it work?

We’ve drawn on core approaches from the whole-school IPEELL programme to meet the needs of 10 children in KS2, that will benefit from focused teaching, to accelerate progress towards age-related expectations.

By participating in Writers for Life, you’ll receive:

• A day of CPD to help you facilitate this intervention for groups of 10 children.
• Fully planned lesson content focusing on approaches that support children’s independence in writing across a range of text types, planned to reduce cognitive load
• Supporting tools including an intervention facilitator’s manual, 10 pupil workbooks, and a folder full of virtual resources.

Who is this for?

This programme has been developed to support practitioners working with KS2, including:

• Literacy leads
• Teachers and heads of English language
• Teaching assistants
• Senior management team

When can I join?

Our next Writers for Life training session will take place on Tuesday 30 September. The schedule will be:

• 22-29 September 2025: we will send participants a folder of virtual resources.
• Tuesday 30 September - 9.30 - 14.30: participants will attend Writers for Life training via Zoom.
• 1-8 October 2025: we will send participants a set of pupil workbooks in the post.

How much does it cost?

The cost of accessing the intervention is:

• £350 for one attendee.
• £280 per each additional attendee.

Schools that have previously participated in National Literacy Trust Improving Writing in KS2 (IPEELL) training can claim a £50 discount per booking.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about Writers for Life, please email us on schools@literacytrust.org.uk.

Please book your place(s) using the form below.