Literacy intervention programme: empowering pupils
This page is a resource for schools looking for support to help close their literacy attainment gap. It outlines how Action Tutoring’s evidence-based programme works with your school to make a significant impact at both primary and secondary levels.
Looking for a proven, affordable way to boost literacy?
Action Tutoring’s subsidised tuition works alongside your teaching, providing expert, targeted support that helps disadvantaged pupils make lasting progress.
What is a literacy intervention programme?
A literacy intervention, or tutoring, programme is a structured approach to providing extra support to pupils who are behind in English. The aim is to:
- Diagnose gaps: Identify specific foundational areas where pupils have critical learning gaps.
- Deliver targeted tutoring: Provide focused, high-impact instruction to address these gaps directly.
- Achieve attainment: Help pupils reach or exceed the expected levels of understanding for their year group.
These programmes are delivered through one-to-one or small group sessions. Crucially, this support is designed to complement regular classroom teaching, giving pupils the necessary time and space to revisit, reinforce, and master key literacy skills.
Action Tutoring’s role in literacy interventions
We specialise in providing high-quality, evidence-based tutoring specifically designed to support disadvantaged pupils.
Our literacy intervention programme is built to serve pupils with identified learning gaps, prioritising those eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
We offer bespoke literacy intervention programmes at both primary and secondary levels. Our ultimate goal is to raise attainment and significantly reduce the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.
‘I didn’t really like English, but after [tutoring] I’ve seen that my grades have gone up a lot. It’s really helped me, even my reading.‘
Lilah, Year 6 pupil in London
How Action Tutoring works with schools
At Action Tutoring, we work in partnership with schools to ensure our tutoring is fully aligned with the curriculum and the specific needs your cohort. Here’s how our literacy tutoring programme works:
- Identifying pupils:
Schools work with Action Tutoring to identify pupils who would benefit most from additional support in English. We ask that schools prioritise those who are eligible for Pupil Premium funding and who have been identified as underachieving in English compared to their peers. - Tailored tutoring sessions:
We provide carefully matched volunteer tutors who are trained to deliver structured tutoring sessions in English. These sessions are delivered either in-person at the school or online. - Small group support:
Tutoring is typically delivered in small groups (2-3 pupils per tutor), ensuring each pupil receives personalised attention. This small group setting also allows for collaborative learning, where pupils can support each other while receiving guidance from their tutor. - Regular progress monitoring:
Action Tutoring’s progress checks and feedback ensure that tutoring sessions are responsive to pupils’ evolving needs. This ongoing evaluation helps to measure the impact of the intervention and make any necessary adjustments. - Curriculum alignment:
Our tutoring sessions are aligned with the national curriculum, ensuring that pupils receive support that directly complements what they are learning in class. This helps to reinforce key concepts and builds pupils’ confidence in applying their skills in the classroom. You can take a look at our English curriculum guides here:
‘I really value how reflective and responsive Action Tutoring is. For example, the English Language booklet was adapted to match exam questions more closely and I was invited to be part of a conversation on how baselines and progress checks are used by the Action Tutoring team. Everyone in the organisation, from the CEO to the regional programme managers, the local programme coordinators and the volunteer tutors are dedicated to supporting pupils who are facing disadvantage and they go out of their way to make the difference.‘
Charlotte Bowyer, Assistant Headteacher at King Ecgbert School in Sheffield
The impact of Action Tutoring’s literacy intervention at primary level
In 2025, Year 6 children tutored in reading were 29% more likely to meet the expected standard than other pupils nationally. In fact, for the first time our Year 6 pupils met the national reading standard at the same rate as their non-disadvantaged peers!
Impact at secondary level
Disadvantaged pupils attending 10 or more sessions increased their chances of passing GCSE English Language by 10%.
You can read more about our impact and our latest impact report here.
‘With a high percentage of pupils [on the programme last year] learning English as a second language, accessing tutoring and working in those small groups helped with their confidence in English so they would engage more in class.‘
Gemma Hewson, Deputy Headteacher at Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy in Bristol
Interested in high impact, low cost tutoring provision?
IBy working with Action Tutoring, schools can offer their pupils personalised tutoring that complements classroom learning and addresses individual needs. Whether at primary or secondary level, our literacy intervention programme is proven to boost attainment, build confidence, and close the gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.
Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them succeed in literacy and beyond. To find out more about how Action Tutoring can work with your school, you can get in touch below:
