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Ignite: Re-engaging Learners through Literacy, Voice and Belonging

IGNITE LOGO_Transparent

What is Ignite?

Ignite is a 20-session literacy and engagement programme for students who are excluded, at risk of exclusion, or struggling to connect with school. Developed by the National Literacy Trust, Ignite helps students rebuild confidence, motivation and literacy skills through high-interest topics including comedy, sport, fashion, music, gaming and social media.

Why Ignite?
Traditional interventions often focus narrowly on academic catch-up, without addressing the confidence, belonging and self-belief that underpin successful learning.

Ignite is different. The programme combines:

  • Trauma-informed practice to ensure emotional safety and build emotional literacy
  • Self-Determination Theory to foster motivation and autonomy
  • Oracy-first activities to build confidence in communication
  • AI-supported literacy tasks that scaffold reading and writing
  • Portfolio outcomes that allow students to showcase their progress

What are the aims of Ignite?

Ignite has four main objectives:

  • Re-engage students by building confidence, self-belief, and renewed connection to learning

  • Empower students to express their personal voice

  • Create safe, inclusive learning environments that nurture wellbeing

  • Strengthen literacy skills through accessible, relevant content

Launching this September!

Join the Ignite Pilot Programme launching this September – only 50 spots availableBe among the first to deliver our brand-new Ignite programme in your school.

  • Only 50 places available for September delivery – secure yours early.
  • Fully funded - there is no cost to eligible schools.
  • Choose from online training on 4th or 9th September.
  • Designed for flexibility – with comprehensive training and a detailed teacher guide, Ignite can be confidently delivered by teaching assistants or support staff.
  • A great opportunity to bring fresh, impactful learning to your students with minimal prep.
Sign up here
Ignite Workbook + Teacher Guide

Who is it for?

This programme is aimed at students aged 11-14 who are in alternative provision (either in internal units in a mainstream school or at a specialist centre) or who are in mainstream education but are at risk of exclusion. It is especially suitable for:

  • Students with low confidence or low literacy
  • Learners who may feel disconnected or invisible in the curriculum
  • Young people who benefit from trauma-informed, emotionally safe learning environments
  • Groups where building motivation, participation, and a sense of belonging is a key priority

Ignite is open for registration to start delivery in the 2025 autumn term.

Sign up for Ignite now!

What impact has Ignite had?

Ignite is currently midway through its first pilot. While full evaluation data is still in progress, early feedback from staff and students has been highly positive. One teacher commented:

"It was THE most focused [...] session I think I've had."

Students report feeling heard, respected, and more connected to their learning. Teachers are noticing improvements in confidence, participation and engagement.

Our Ignite programme continues our existing work in alternative provision settings, you may also find the following programmes of interest:

Practical information about Ignite

What is the cost?

Ignite is fully funded — there is no charge to take part as long as your school does not charge students fees.

In return, we ask that all participating schools commit to attending one of the training sessions and engage with the evaluation process to help us understand the programme’s impact.

How does evaluation work?

All schools taking part must agree to contribute to our evaluation to help shape future delivery. This includes:

  • Short teacher and student feedback forms
  • For a smaller group of schools: additional opportunities to contribute through student voice panels and a brief (approx. 30 min) interview with the staff delivering the programme. Participating schools in this group will receive a box of books as a thank you.

When can I start?

Ignite is open for registration for delivery from Autumn Term 2025. Sessions can be delivered flexibly as part of small group interventions or embedded into existing timetables such as English, PSHE or enrichment lessons. What will I receive when I sign up to deliver the programme?

Each setting will receive:

  • Training (online)
  • 20 structured, fully resourced sessions
  • Student workbooks
  • Digital materials, including AI-supported literacy tasks
  • Teacher guide with tips for flexible delivery and inclusive practice
  • Built-in opportunities to showcase student voice and celebrate progress

Each of the 20 sessions is designed to last for one hour. They can be delivered as part of an intervention strategy or during PSHE or English lessons.

How do I access it?

Ignite is open for registration to start delivery in the 2025 autumn term.

Click here to sign up for Ignite now!

Sample Lesson: Music and Motivation

Get a feel for Ignite with a fully resourced sample session from our Music cluster.
This session explores how music shapes identity and motivation — with accessible reading, oracy and creative tasks designed for KS3 learners who are excluded or at risk of exclusion.

You'll see how the programme:

  • Builds confidence and literacy through engaging, real-world themes
  • Supports inclusive, trauma-informed delivery
  • Uses oracy and creativity to strengthen motivation and belonging

Download the lesson to explore the structure, tone and flexibility of Ignite.

Ignite - Sample