New Estyn report finds improving literacy 'remains a challenge'

  • Wales
Estyn's Chief Inspector says literacy standards are much the same to those in 2012 Credit: PA

Schools watchdog Estyn has warned that 'Improving literacy in secondary schools remains a challenge.'

This is despite the Welsh Government having made it a major priority in recent years, with the introduction of the Literacy and Numeracy Framework and the annual reading and maths tests for 7-14-year-olds.

In November, Estyn also warned that pupils' numeracy skills are still weak in more than half of primary and secondary schools it inspected in the previous year.

This resulted in Education Minister, Huw Lewis, calling for schools and teachers to "grasp the agenda" with "a renewed sense of urgency."

Its latest report shows standards of reading and writing are much the same of those in 2012.

Inspectors found that the Literacy and Numeracy Framework was introduced quickly, but progress in implementing the framework has been modest.

Other findings include:

  • Teachers have an improved awareness of the need to develop pupils' literacy skills

  • Schools offer more opportunities for pupils to produce extended pieces of writing across the curriculum

  • Teachers are still not totally clear about the standards of literacy expected across the curriculum

  • Assessing and tracking progress in literacy remains under-developed

Estyn's report has made a series of recommendations for schools, local authorities and the Welsh Government.