Literacy

Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that allows us to communicate effectively and make sense of the world. At Mark Rutherford School we believe that reading is the basis for gaining academic success within every subject. If a student doesn’t read widely and fluently, then their learning opportunities can be limited.

Literacy is a fundamental pillar of academic success, yet recent research by Renaissance Learning reveals a concerning gap in students' reading ability. In a survey of over 24,500 Year 10 and 11 students across the UK, the average reading age was found to be at least five years below their chronological age. This is particularly alarming given that GCSE exam papers require a reading age of 15 years and 7 months to be fully accessible. Without strong literacy skills, students may struggle to comprehend exam questions, regardless of their subject knowledge, which can significantly impact their performance and confidence.

At Mark Rutherford School, we encourage every student to read for at least twenty minutes a day—because this simple habit can make a profound difference. Research shows that regular reading not only improves vocabulary and comprehension, but also strengthens focus, empathy, and critical thinking. Just twenty minutes of daily reading can expose students to over 1.8 million words per year, significantly boosting their literacy skills and academic confidence. It helps students access complex texts across the curriculum, prepares them for GCSE-level reading demands, and supports their ability to write with clarity and precision. Whether it's a novel, a news article, or a non-fiction book, consistent reading builds the foundations for success in school and beyond. We encourage families to support this habit at home, helping students find books they enjoy and making reading a shared, positive experience.

At Mark Rutherford School we are keen to encourage every student to be a confident, proficient reader, but most importantly, we want our students to enjoy reading. Please take a look through our ‘in this section’ on the right-hand side to explore the steps that we are taking to support our students with their literacy.