At The Compton School in London, literacy is a cornerstone of their educational approach, and Lexia plays a pivotal role in their strategy. Led by Assistant Headteacher Emily Walker-Nolan and Lexia Lead Deeya Sharma, the school has developed an innovative and structured implementation of the program, yielding remarkable results for their students.
A Holistic Literacy Strategy
The Compton School first introduced Lexia four years ago as part of a broader reading initiative funded through a local authority school development bid. Emily shared how they integrated Lexia into a three-tier strategy focused on building literacy across the school:
- Staff Training: Ensuring all teachers understand how children learn to read and addressing specific barriers students face.
- Targeted Interventions: Implementing daily literacy instruction and paired reading alongside Lexia, which they call their “tutor in a computer.”
- Comprehensive Screening and Support: Identifying and addressing foundational reading gaps through Lexia for students in Key Stage 3’s bottom 20% of readers.
What started with 60 licenses soon expanded to 120, and now three schools within the trust use Lexia.
Tailored and Motivating
The adaptive nature of Lexia makes it stand out. “It’s bespoke to the needs of the student,” Emily explained. Deeya added, “The gamification element really motivates our students. They take pride in their streaks and achievements, sharing their progress with teachers and peers.”
Creative Implementation
Lexia has become a vital part of the school’s routine, particularly during the Year 6 transition process. Prospective students are screened early, and 50 pupils identified with potential reading barriers are introduced to Lexia during a summer induction. They complete an auto-placement test and are given licenses with a challenge to log the most minutes over the summer holidays—an initiative that has even seen students graduate from the program before starting Year 7!
The program is seamlessly woven into the school day through breakfast clubs, personal development time, and targeted interventions. Deeya also motivates students with rewards like chocolates and postcards, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community. Lexia prefects from Year 11 assist during sessions, making the environment even more engaging and supportive.
Positive Outcomes
Lexia has had a transformative impact on The Compton School’s students. Emily highlighted one student’s journey: “He started at the foundational level in every strand and graduated last year. Now in Key Stage 4, he tells me he misses Lexia because it gave him a sense of structure and success.”
The program has also contributed to broader school achievements, such as a 20% uplift in students reaching expected reading benchmarks. Emily observed, “It’s a safety net—capturing everyone and ensuring progress. Students who have struggled with reading for years are now positioned as the most successful in the room. It’s incredibly motivating.”
Advice for Other Schools
The Compton School emphasises the importance of starting early and involving parents. Their creative strategies include hosting workshops, recording informational sessions, and embedding Lexia into parental engagement events. Emily advises: “Parents want something tangible to support their children with English. Lexia provides that, building a partnership between school and home.”
Through their commitment to literacy and innovative use of Lexia, The Compton School is setting a high standard for how schools can make reading accessible and enjoyable for all students.
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