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Free literacy teaching resources

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Browse reading activities and lesson ideas for a range of topics that will make teaching literacy and English more accessible and engaging for your students. See below for a selection of resources you can access for free.

Our resources are perfect for teachers and literacy practitioners in primary and secondary schools, and early years settings.

Free literacy resources for cultural events and UK awareness days

Literacy teaching ideas, resources and reading activities spanning different ages and phases that align with key awareness and celebration dates in the planning calendar for schools and settings.

Explore our 2024-2025 teaching events calendar for more inspiration.

Annual Literacy Survey

Would you like to know what your pupils think about reading, writing, speaking and listening? Take part in our survey that explores children and young people’s literacy behaviours, attitudes and enjoyment. Participating schools receive a personalised school report outlining their findings.

Be part of the Annual Literacy Survey: sign up now
Secondary school pupils take part in a workshop with the National Literacy Trust

Early years

Our early years resources and literacy activities will help schools, settings and parents support children’s development from birth to age 5 (EYFS).

Primary and cross-phase resources

We have a wealth of free resources and lesson plans available to support literacy teaching in primary schools.

Secondary and cross-phase resources

Inspire and motivate pupils to support and improve literacy provision with English teachers resources and our secondary lesson ideas.

Key Stage literacy and reading resources

See filtered lists of:

More support for improving literacy in schools and settings

We provide a range of evidence-based training, interventions, programmes and resources to support teachers and practitioners to enable children to move forward and develop their skills.

  • Evidence-based CPD and inspiring conferences to help you evaluate, plan and take action to improve literacy outcomes in your setting.
    Learn more
  • Highly engaging and evaluated programmes to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the UK's most disadvantaged communities.
    Learn more
  • Evidence-based interventions for reading, writing and language development
    Learn more