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.
Programmes open for registration
We're currently seeking eligible schools and settings to join these impactful, funded programmes for 2023-24.
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Together schools and local businesses support primary aged pupils to develop their literacy skills, raise aspirations and challenge stereotypes.Learn more about Words for Work: Dream Big.
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Business volunteers bring workplace communication into the classroom to unlock students' speaking and listening skills.Learn more about Words for Work: KS3.
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Businesses open their doors to students giving them an insight into literacy and communication.Learn more about Words for Work: KS4 and Post-16.
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Words for Work: Women in Leadership helps young women and non-binary students in post-16 education develop the literacy skills, leadership abilities and confidence they need to...Learn more about Words for Work: Women in Leadership.
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Empower is a 10-session programme that aims to give girls in alternative provision the tools to make more informed choices on the internet.Learn more about Empower: a critical media literacy programme.
National Literacy Trust programmes
Explore the full range of our evidence-based programmes.
Early years programmes
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Early Words Together helps parents support their young child’s literacy and language development.Learn more
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Early Words Together at Two is an adaptation of our Early Words Together programme, designed specifically for families of two-year-olds.Learn more
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This programme supports babies and toddlers who may need early help with speech, language and communication before the age of two.Learn more
Primary programmes
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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.Learn more
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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...Learn more
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Together schools and local businesses support primary aged pupils to develop their literacy skills, raise aspirations and challenge stereotypes.Learn more
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Supporting primary school children to develop their reading skills and confidently read for enjoyment too. Developed in partnership with Hachette UK.Learn more
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Through NewsWise, we help teachers empower pupils to access, understand, analyse and participate in the news.Learn more
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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.Learn more
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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.Learn more
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Our national reading campaign that supports and celebrates reading culture within schools.Learn more
Secondary programmes
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Discover our social action writing programme that empowers young people to share the stories that matter to them with a real audience and to drive change.Learn more
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Inspiring the next generation of mystery writers drawing on the thrilling work of Agatha Christie!Learn more
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A poetry-based programme supporting schools to explore writing as a therapeutic, self-sustaining, and low-cost tool to promote the wellbeing of their young people.Learn more
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Business volunteers bring workplace communication into the classroom to unlock students' speaking and listening skills.Learn more
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Businesses open their doors to students giving them an insight into literacy and communication.Learn more
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Words for Work: Women in Leadership helps young women and non-binary students in post-16 education develop the literacy skills, leadership abilities and confidence they...Learn more
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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.Learn more
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Our national reading campaign that supports and celebrates reading culture within schools.Learn more
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Empowering young people to improve their financial wellbeing while developing literacy skills.Learn more
Alternative Provision programmes
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Empower is a 10-session programme that aims to give girls in alternative provision the tools to make more informed choices on the internet.Learn more
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The Represent programme is designed for girls aged 11 to 14 in alternative provision and uses engaging texts to support communication skills, resilience and wellbeing.Learn more
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A fully resourced financial literacy programme designed for young people aged 11 to 14 who have been excluded or are at risk of exclusion in mainstream and alternative...Learn more
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Game Changers is a 20-session reading programme specifically designed for students who are excluded, at risk of exclusion or self-excluding.Learn more
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.
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The Literacy Innovation Fund, funded by the Ministry of Justice, sees us delivering a wide range of literacy initiatives in six prisons across England.Learn more
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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.Learn more
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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.Learn more
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Readconnect empowers men and women in HMP Swaleside and HMP Downview to build and maintain bonds with their children through storytelling, creative writing, and other...Learn more
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New Chapters supports young people involved with the criminal justice system through the power of creative writing.Learn more
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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...Learn more
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Empowering young people to improve their financial wellbeing while developing literacy skills.Learn more
