Reading the future
Think tank: Pro Bono Economics
Author(s): Sadia Sheikh
March 7, 2025
This report from UK think tank Pro Bono Economics looks at the impact of literacy support on disadvantaged pupils’ GCSE grades and beyond.
Our new report with Right To Succeed highlights the power of literacy support in transforming the futures of disadvantaged pupils in the UK.
It reveals that targeted literacy programmes can unlock significant academic and economic opportunities – particularly in deprived communities like Blackpool and Birkenhead.
Key findings from the report show:
Improved academic outcomes: Pupils saw an average +0.3 grade improvement in indicative English GCSE scores, with underperforming pupils achieving a +0.7 grade improvement.
Increased lifetime earnings: Over 5,000 pupils could gain up to £9.2 million in potential increased earnings.
Cost-effective impact: With programme costs of just £0.53 million, the economic returns are substantial. Inclusive success: Pupils with special educational needs and English as an additional language showed above-average improvement.
