Poor literacy in Harlow being tackled
The government are investing £300,000 from the levelling up fund
Last updated 7th Feb 2024
More than £300,000 is set to be spent on improving literacy standards in Harlow- with writing of particular concern
Just 51.6 per cent of Harlow pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at Key Stage 1 (KS1) – 4.1 per cent points below the Essex average in 2022. The national average was 59 per cent.
For individual KS1 subjects, 67.3 per cent of Harlow pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, 2.2 per cent points below Essex. Nationally 67 per cent of pupils met the expected standard.
But of most concern is the performance in writing where 55.9 per cent of Harlow pupils achieved compared to 60.4 per cent across Essex. The national percentage average of pupils reaching the expected standard was 58 per cent.
The government is aiming for 90 per cent of pupils achieve by 2030.
Other matrices show concerning disparities in Harlow. Good Level of Development (GLD) – which measures attainment at the end of the Reception year – shows a decline from 34.7 per cent of children who did not achieve GLD in 2022 to 35.6 per cent who did not in 2023.
More than £74,000 is being spent in reading initiatives, £54,000 on a re-engagement NEET Prevention Pilot Programme, £171,000 on early years and £20,000 on mental health help.
A decision statement from Essex County Council said: “Most concern is the
performance in Writing where 55.9 per cent of Harlow pupils achieved compared to 60.4 per cent across Essex. Given the Government requirement for 90 per cent of pupils to achieve by 2030, based on current pupil numbers, this would mean an additional 371 Harlow pupils needing to achieve.”
Essex County Council estimates 80 of the most vulnerable KS3 students in Harlow should make at least two years progress in their reading by July 2024 – meaning their reading standards have reached where they should be.
The £320,000 investment is the second tranche of a £500,000 Harlow Futures pot earmarked to support young people in Harlow.
A decision statement from Essex County Council said: “Together these interventions and strategies will help young people in Harlow engage in education and improve their life chances, and wider outcomes for Harlow.
“Supporting schools, the college, and settings to help us meet the ambitions of Everyone’s Essex.
“Addressing inequalities and levelling up life chances for residents in Harlow with an ambition that no child is left behind. Children who have good language, speech and communication development and are confident readers and writers will grow up to reach their full education potential and more likely to gain employment.”