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Game Changers

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What is Game Changers?

Updated for 2026, Game Changers is a targeted 20-session reading intervention designed specifically for students with experience of exclusion or those at risk of exclusion.

We know that for many older students, reading has become synonymous with failure. Game Changers breaks that cycle. It is not a phonics or decoding programme; it is a motivation programme. By combining high-interest texts, role models with lived experience, and rigorous pedagogical scaffolding, we help students rebuild their reading identity and confidence.

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Ready to get started? You can read more about how Game Changers benefits young people below, or if you're ready to sign up, then follow this link:

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Game Changers Aconbury teacher 1.jpg

The Game Changers approach

We move beyond simple ‘catch-up’ strategies to address the root causes of disengagement. Our methodology is built on three evidence-based pillars:

  • 1. The 'Hi–Lo' text model

    To engage teenagers, content must respect their maturity. We use a 'High Interest / Low Accessibility Barrier' model. While our texts often sit around a reading age of 11 to ensure challenge, they are selected for maximum engagement and are made accessible to students with lower literacy levels through our resources.

    • The science: Research shows that reading volume is the biggest driver of progress. By offering age-appropriate themes rather than "babyish" books, we protect the student's self-esteem and provide the motivation they need to read more.

  • 2. Scaffolding and cognitive load

    Students with gaps in their learning often feel overwhelmed by dense text. We remove the fear factor through intentional scaffolding.

    • Vocabulary: Polysyllabic words (e.g. trajectory, pivotal) are pre-taught before the reading begins, freeing up working memory for comprehension.
    • Big ideas: Lessons start by exploring abstract concepts verbally. This primes the student to connect with the background knowledge they need to access the text successfully.

  • 3. Oracy as a bridge to literacy

    We prioritise talk. Every session is structured around discussion, debate, and verbal reflection before students are asked to write.

    • The science: Strong oral language skills underpin reading comprehension. By validating the students' voices first, we build the confidence required for them to tackle inference and critical thinking tasks on the page.

Does it work?

Over a two-year evaluation reaching 1,200 young people, we have seen that shifting attitudes leads to shifting results.

  • 74% of pupils felt they could be more successful in life after reading the Game Changers stories.
  • 94% of teachers recommend the programme to other schools.
  • 56% of students who started below the expected level caught up with their peers during the programme.

“The Game Changers programme has been fantastic and has engaged a lot of our learners in sport and literacy to a level that I haven’t previously seen in a PRU”

Teacher, Swindon

Who is this for?

Game Changers is designed for students who have foundational decoding skills but lack the motivation, stamina, or confidence to read for pleasure. It is ideal for:

  • Students in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and Alternative Provision (AP).
  • Students attending specialist provision for social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
  • Students in mainstream schools who are at risk of exclusion or reintegrating after a suspension.

What is in the box?

The full intervention package provides everything a teacher needs to deliver the programme with minimal preparation time.

  • Bespoke student workbooks: 60-page workbooks that chunk texts into manageable sections, focusing on information retrieval, inference, and evaluation.
  • Real stories: Readings feature role models with lived experience of exclusion, including elite athletes and musicians.
  • Books to keep: Schools receive 10 carefully chosen books for participants to keep, building a sense of ownership and pride.
  • Football engagement: Optional freestyle football video tutorials are included as a tool to build rapport and break down barriers to learning.

View sample materials

Read our overview of Game Changers and explore sample materials from across the learning scheme to discover more about the programme.

If you have any further questions, email the team at ap@literacytrust.org.uk

Get started

You can purchase the full Game Changers package for £250.

  • The package covers a group of up to 10 students.
  • Additional student packs are available for £175.
  • Discounts are available for National Literacy Trust members. Please email ap@literacytrust.org.uk for a discount code.

If you have questions about whether this is right for your cohort, please email us at ap@literacytrust.org.uk.

Buy Game Changers now