Ambitious Reading Targets: Turning Aspirations into Achievements
The idea of setting ambitious reading targets is one I strongly believe in. Reading is the gateway to every subject, every opportunity, and ultimately every child’s future. But while bold targets are important, they don’t deliver results on their own. Success depends on the systems, culture, and support that surround them.
Why reading targets matter
Reading is the foundation of everything in education. If children can’t read confidently, they can’t fully access the curriculum, and their chances of success in later life diminish. Setting high expectations, like 90% of pupils reading at or above their age level, is the kind of ambition that all schools should share.
But ambition alone isn’t enough. As the article points out, if schools are serious about hitting these targets, they need a joined-up approach.
The conditions for success
Systems and data: Schools need clear processes to monitor progress and identify pupils who are falling behind early.
Targeted interventions: Once issues are flagged, interventions must be timely, consistent, and effective.
Whole-organisation buy-in: Reading isn’t just the responsibility of English leads. Every teacher and leader must see themselves as part of the solution.
Culture and expectations: A shared belief that every child can become a confident reader is essential.
This combination is what turns lofty ambitions into tangible results.
The bigger picture for education suppliers
For those of us who work in and with education, these challenges also represent opportunities. EdTechs and education suppliers can:
Provide the tools to monitor reading progress more effectively.
Offer evidence-based resources and interventions to support struggling readers.
Help reduce teacher workload so staff can focus on the interventions that matter most.
My takeaway
Setting bold reading targets is the right move, but without systems and support, they risk being just numbers on a page. The schools that will succeed are those that combine ambition with the necessary infrastructure and culture to make it happen.
And for suppliers, this is a reminder that the most impactful solutions are the ones that make it easier for schools to meet these goals.