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1.5 million children 'will be unable to read well by 2025'

Around 1.5 million children will leave primary school unable to "read well" by 2025 if urgent action is not taken to tackle the issue, research suggests.

It warns that progress in improving children's reading levels has been too slow in the past, with poor youngsters most at risk of being left behind.

The Read On. Get On. has been launched to ensure that by 2025, all pupils are reading to a good standard at age 11.

It comes as an influential group of MPs warned that an "alarmingly high" proportion of adults do not have a good grasp of reading, writing and maths.

Urgent action is needed to tackle the issue, the Commons Business Select Committee said as it warned those who struggle the most with literacy and numeracy are not getting the help they need.

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Minister 'wholeheartedly' endorses reading campaign

The Education Secretary has "wholeheartedly" endorsed a campaign that aims to ensure that by 2025, all pupils are reading to a good standard at the age of 11.

"Eradicating illiteracy and innumeracy is central to our plan for education and that plan is working," Nicky Morgan said.

Read On. Get On. aims to ensure all children can 'read well' by the age of 11. Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

"However, we know there is more to do which is why our new curriculum has a greater focus on reading and encourages children to read widely for pleasure so they can develop a real love of literature," she continued.

"This brilliant campaign will help us all to make a real difference to the lives of millions of children and I hope that the whole country will get behind it."

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