At Chiltern Academy, reading is our key whole-school priority. We firmly believe that the ability to read fluently and with strong comprehension is the foundation for success across all subjects and stages of education. Our approach is built upon a strong whole-school reading culture where reading is valued, promoted, and celebrated by staff and students alike.

Our Universal Reading Offer

Our curriculum is specifically designed to increase reading competency across all subjects. We ensure that the teaching of reading is rigorous and well sequenced, ensuring it develops pupils’ fluency, confidence, and enjoyment. 

The data below from Summer 2025 demonstrates the success of this approach. On average, our students achieved a +2.5 increase in their Standard Age Score (SAS), showing that our curriculum effectively works to increase reading competency across all subjects and extend pupils’ language and vocabulary so that they can articulate ideas clearly. Children at Chiltern Academy make excellent progress with their reading. 

 NGRT Comparison Data for Summer 2025

Our Universal Offer Includes:

• Rigorous Assessment and Support

Reading attainment is accurately assessed at all key stages. Leaders prioritise a ‘keeping up’ approach, dealing quickly and effectively with any identified gaps in pupils’ knowledge to ensure every student stays on track.

• Reading Plus Programme

All Key Stage 3 students use this adaptive online platform, which personalises their reading journey to develop essential comprehension and fluency skills.

• Subject-Specific DEAR Time

Through "Drop Everything and Read" sessions, pupils explore subject-specific texts across all their subjects, broadening their vocabulary and disciplinary literacy.

• Weekly Reading Forms

Students read a shared book together during form times, fostering a communal reading experience.

• Timetabled Library Lessons

Key Stage 3 pupils attend regular library sessions as part of their English curriculum to promote reading for pleasure and support academic progress.

Dedicated Reading Spaces

Our school environment is designed to put reading at the heart of the student experience:

• The School Library

A well-stocked, welcoming space filled with fiction, non-fiction, and subject-specific texts. It is available for reading and research before school, during lunch, and after school.

• The Reading Room

A new, dedicated space providing a comfortable environment for reading for pleasure, small-group work, and targeted reading interventions. 

Targeted Reading Interventions 

To ensure all students can access the whole curriculum, we offer several targeted programmes:

• Reading Fluency Programme:

A small-group programme focusing on developing fluency, comprehension, and expression when reading aloud through repeated practice of short passages.

• IDL

An individualised lesson programme that improves reading accuracy, spelling, and comprehension, accessed in the Reading Room, English lessons, or as homework.

• Phonics

A tailored small-group intervention that teaches students how letters represent sounds to help them ‘decode’ unfamiliar words.

• Reading Buddies

Students are paired with an older peer to build confidence and develop understanding through discussion and regular reading aloud.

• Flash Academy

A platform providing curriculum-aligned lessons and assessments to support students with English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Supporting Your Child With Reading at Home