In 2026, too many pupils are still reaching secondary school unable to read fluently. This isn’t about ability or effort, it’s about missed foundations.
In SEND, Alternative Provision and Virtual School settings, pupils often:
- Guess words rather than decode
- Avoid reading due to embarrassment
- Have gaps in phonics that were never addressed
The issue isn’t the pupil.
It’s the approach.
Phonics isn’t just for early years
There’s a widespread belief that phonics is only for young children. As a result, older struggling readers are often given comprehension tasks instead of the decoding support they actually need.
If a pupil cannot decode automatically, comprehension will always be difficult – regardless of age.
What works for older struggling readers
Effective interventions for secondary pupils share four key features:
- Age-appropriate phonics that avoids embarrassment
- Clear assessment to identify the exact gap
- Short, regular sessions that build automaticity
- A shame-free approach that rebuilds confidence
When pupils feel safe and supported, progress follows quickly.
Why Read Revive
Read Revive was created specifically for older pupils and SEND learners who need to return to the foundations of reading in a respectful, dignified way.
Because it’s never too late to learn to read properly.