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Our programmes

Highly engaging and evaluated programmes to improve reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the UK's most disadvantaged communities.
secondary boys and teacher

We run an array of evaluated programmes that support children and young people in schools, early years and alternative provision settings. We also have programmes that support adult literacy both in the community and in the criminal justice sector.

Our targeted interventions are designed to help staff in schools and settings to close the learning gap for those children most at risk of falling behind.

New! Young Poet Laureate programme

Inspire the next generation to express themselves creatively through poetry. Introducing Young Poets Week, a week-long celebration and exploration of poetry in all its exciting forms – from rhyming couplets to rap, sonnets to spoken word! Followed by an exciting new opportunity for young creative talent across the country to apply to be a Young Poet Laureate for their region.

Teachers: sign up to take part
YCP 2024 boy poet web

National Literacy Trust programmes

Explore the full range of our evidence-based programmes.

Early years programmes

Primary programmes

  • Reading for enjoyment is key to improving literacy skills. The Young Readers Programme runs fun events where children can choose books to take home and keep.
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  • We work with schools across the country to refresh and restock their libraries and book corners, and embed reading for pleasure in teaching practice. We believe school...
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  • Together schools and local businesses support primary aged pupils to develop their literacy skills, raise aspirations and challenge stereotypes.
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  • Created by National Poetry Centre in partnership National Literacy Trust, and supported by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, the Young Poet Laureate Programme provides children...
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  • An exciting project for Bradford primary schools focusing on the development of writing as pupils move from Year 2 through to Year 4.
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  • Giving students the opportunity to visit iconic cultural venues in their local area as inspiration for writing their own poems supported by a local professional poet.
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  • Our national reading campaign that supports and celebrates reading culture within schools.
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  • Use the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills.
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Secondary programmes

Alternative Provision programmes

Adult programmes

The National Literacy Trust currently runs five Criminal Justice projects in prisons and Young Offender Institutions that span reading for pleasure, creative writing, audio creation, and parent and child storytelling. We also work to support people with adult literacy with a number of programmes and projects.

In addition, our financial resilience programme helps young people aged 16 to 24 improve their literacy skills enabling them to feel confident and informed when making financial decisions.

  • The Literacy Innovation Fund, funded by the Ministry of Justice, sees us delivering a wide range of literacy initiatives in six prisons across England.
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  • Books Unlocked supports people in prisons and Young Offender Institutions, as well as others in community settings such as schools and libraries, to read for enjoyment.
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  • Inside Stories with Audible is a project aimed at bringing content creation, audio production and podcast-making skills to young people in custody.
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  • Readconnect empowers people in prison to build and maintain bonds with their children through storytelling, creative writing, and other literacy building activities
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  • New Chapters supports young people involved with the criminal justice system through the power of creative writing.
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  • Words Rising with Anawim Women’s Centre is funded by our Birmingham Hub and Birmingham University, and delivered by the Adult Literacy Team. Learn how we are equipping...
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  • Empowering young people to improve their financial wellbeing while developing literacy skills.
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