Reading is at the centre of progress at Cockermouth School

Dr Michelle Henley, senior deputy headteacher at Cockermouth School, said: "Reading and books are at the heart of Cockermouth School.

"We know there is nothing more important in terms of students’ progress and outcomes than reading and picking up books every day."

Students are able to get the support they need (Image: TOM KAY)

This initiative is supported by a unique project - Western Excellence in Learning and Leadership (WELL) - aimed at improving standards across West Cumbrian Schools.

WELL is backed by Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

The school’s professional development, accessed through WELL, guarantees that every student receives the support they need in their reading journey.

Starting in Year 7, students are screened to determine their individual needs, with annual assessments to monitor progress.

Cockermouth School said it has seen good results with the scheme (Image: TOM KAY)

Those whose reading levels fall below expected standards are offered a range of interventions including phonics-based learning and the Thinking Reading programme.

Dr Henley said: "The biggest area of need is in comprehension and fluency.

"WELL funding has provided us with training, support and resourcing to tackle this."

A structured approach called Reciprocal Reading is used to improve reading comprehension.

Dr Henley explained the impact of this method, saying: "A student might be able to read aloud and appear quite confident, but that doesn’t mean they understand everything they have read.

"Reciprocal Reading is a really powerful teaching – and understanding – tool."

The success of Reciprocal Reading is such that its techniques have been adopted school-wide, with all teachers receiving specialist training.

Beki Cosh, a literacy teacher, noted the positive shift in student attitudes, saying: "When they first start, they’re a little bit nervous and a bit anxious about their own abilities, and then by the end we can’t get rid of them!

"They love coming here."

The Reciprocal Reading programme has been implemented all across the school (Image: TOM KAY)

Dr Henley concluded: "With our emphasis on literacy support, high-quality professional development, and a school wide focus on evidence informed practice, we are now seeing all cohorts of students - low, middle and high prior attainment, as well as those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities - making exceptional progress."

Cockermouth School has seen 'consistently outstanding' exam results since 2019 according to Dr Henley.