How Athena Learning Trust Transformed Literacy Levels with Corrective Reading

Discover Corrective Reading: the proven programme that helps struggling readers catch up fast — and restores joy and confidence to students and teachers alike.

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Corrective Reading

The Direct Instruction Reading Intervention for UK Secondary Schools


For many students, reading is the biggest barrier to learning. It’s easy for them to fall behind their peers — and for teachers to feel overwhelmed trying to help them catch up.

That’s why Athena Learning Trust introduced Corrective Reading across their six high schools to support students reading below their chronological age.

The results have been remarkable. Across the trust, students have seen an average rise in reading levels of 2 years in just one teaching year. One school saw an average gain of 3.5 years, with some pupils boosting their reading age by as much as 5 years. Students are rediscovering their confidence and independence as readers, and teachers are seeing the joy of success in their classrooms.

Here’s why it works so well:

Research-backed Direct Instruction programme with decades of evidence.

Teachers can focus on teaching, not prepping, with confidence in a method that delivers results.

Provides clear, explicit teaching that builds fluency and comprehension step by step.

Students experience success right from the start — immediately boosting their confidence as they learn and steadily building fluency and comprehension.

Works at scale — can be delivered effectively with medium-sized groups.

It saves teachers’ time while reaching more students effectively.

Reduces teacher workload with lessons that are ready to teach.

Scripted lessons take away teacher planning time and trusted content that is proven to work.

The Impact

What teachers say about Corrective Reading


The success at Athena Learning Trust shows how Corrective Reading changes both outcomes and outlook. It helps students who had almost given up on reading to thrive again — and supports teachers with a scalable method that consistently delivers results.

Now, in this 4-minute case study video, you’ll hear directly from leaders, teachers, and students about the difference Corrective Reading has made.

Here’s a flavour of what they had to say:

  • Use real-time analytics to personalize instruction for every student
"One of the best things about being in the classroom is the success that I see from students and the joy that they have when they achieve these milestones."
— Georgia Bergman, Teacher, Launceston College
"I came to England one year ago and at that time I started learning English, and now I can read very well."
— EAL Student, Athena Learning Trust
"Before I started it I didn’t want to read. I didn’t want to pick up a book because my dyslexia mixed everything up. It’s helped me want to pick up a book.”
— Student, Athena Learning Trust
“I was really excited by the potential of the impact it can have and the scale of it.”
—Matthew Thompson, Principal Launceston College
"It’s completely transformed my teaching."

The Results

More Confident Learners, Less Teacher Workload

The Open Learning Platform helped OWIS achieve real, measurable impact:

80.8%

Average mastery achieved in Math

9,400+

 Digital lessons and activities accessed by students

100%

Digital classrooms (Pre-K to Grade 5)

27

Teachers implementing digital learning daily

100%

Digital classrooms (Pre-K to Grade 5)

On-demand teacher training included

"I can assign different reading levels to different students — it's easy."
— OWIS Teacher

Today, OWIS classrooms are dynamic, student-centered environments where technology enhances — rather than complicates — teaching and learning.

Watch the 4 minute video case study now to see how it works:

Want to see how Corrective Reading could work at your school? UK schools can save 10% on programme orders until December 31st 2025. Fill out the form today to find out more and speak to your dedicated Learning Solutions Consultant.

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