Kingsnorth English Hub is committed to supporting schools to improve outcomes in reading, phonics and literacy. While we have prioritisation criteria to help us target support where it is likely to have the greatest impact, we may also use our professional judgement when considering applications.

KS1 Phonics Support

Schools may be prioritised for KS1 support if they meet two or more of the following criteria:

· Lower-than-average Phonics Screening Check (PSC) outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

· The lowest PSC outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.

· The bottom 20% of pupils are not on track to reach the expected standard, based on regular phonics assessments.

· Lower-than-average attainment in the Phonics Screening Check (80% of pupils met the expected standard nationally in 2024).

· A higher-than-average proportion of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium (24.8% nationally in 2024/25).

· Identified for support by Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) teams.

· Previous English Hub Partner Schools that last received intensive support two or more years ago, have experienced significant systemic change, and have not sustained improvements in phonics outcomes.

· A high proportion of groups considered harder to reach, including pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL), pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), and Traveller pupils.

· Referred by local partners, including RISE teams, Local Authorities and other school improvement partners.

· Phonics identified as an area for development through Ofsted inspection findings.

· Evidence of declining standards in phonics.

KS2 Reading Support

KS2 support is available to state-funded schools with a cohort of pupils taking KS2 Reading SATs, including primary schools, junior schools and all-through schools.

Before accessing KS2 support, schools must demonstrate that their KS1 phonics provision is secure.

Schools may be prioritised if they meet two or more of the following criteria:

· Lower-than-average KS2 reading outcomes for disadvantaged pupils across three or more academic years.

· Lower-than-average attainment in KS2 reading assessments (75% of pupils met the expected standard nationally in 2025).

· Referred by local partners, including RISE teams and Local Authorities.

· Reading identified as an area for development through recent Ofsted inspection findings.

· A high proportion of groups considered harder to reach, including pupils with EAL, FSM and Traveller backgrounds.

· A consistently high proportion of pupils who meet the expected standard in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check but do not go on to achieve the expected standard in KS2 reading assessments (“non-translators”) over at least two consecutive years.

KS3 Reading Support

Secondary schools may be prioritised for KS3 support where one or more of the following applies:

· A higher-than-average number of Year 7 pupils entering secondary school below the expected standard in KS2 reading.

· Disadvantaged pupils’ KS4 attainment is below the national average for disadvantaged pupils.

· A higher-than-average proportion of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium.

· A high proportion of priority groups, including pupils with EAL, FSM or Traveller backgrounds.

· A higher-than-average number of pupils with SEND, including those receiving SEN Support or with an EHCP.

· Reading identified as an area for development through Ofsted inspection findings.

· Staff leading reading are new to their roles and would benefit from additional support and development.

Professional Judgement

While these criteria guide our decision-making, Kingsnorth English Hub may also offer support to schools that do not meet the prioritisation criteria where evidence suggests that support would have a significant impact on improving literacy outcomes. Decisions will take account of the school’s context, capacity for improvement and any existing support already in place.