University of Brighton student teachers help boost literacy skills among Hastings primary pupils

The Read to Succeed programme was developed by the university to help raise attainment and improve access to opportunities for young pupils by improving their reading skills and boosting their confidence. It was delivered by University of Brighton student primary teachers who spent six weeks during the autumn term visiting two partner schools in Hastings to support a group of pupils who were working below their expected reading age.

The student teachers worked closely with Year 6 pupils at The Baird Primary Academy and Churchwood Primary Academy, delivering engaging reading sessions based on The Wonder Brothers by Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce. The programme focused on improving literacy skills, increasing confidence, and nurturing a love for reading among the group.

Students in Read to Succeed session

Three-quarters (75%) of pupils who took part reported that they found reading easier after finishing the programme. One pupil said: “Read to Succeed has taught me how to understand a book and to challenge myself when reading a book. I enjoy reading.”

Johanna Harris, Outreach Coordinator at the University of Brighton, said: “The Read to Succeed programme has been a fantastic opportunity to support young learners in developing their reading skills and confidence. Seeing the pupils engage with the book, grow in their literacy abilities, and even express excitement about reading has been truly rewarding.

“The impact of this initiative goes beyond the classroom—it fosters a lifelong love for learning. We’re incredibly proud of our student teachers and the pupils for their dedication, and we look forward to continuing our work with local schools to inspire the next generation of readers.”

At the end of the six-week programme, the pupils from the two schools visited the University of Brighton’s Falmer campus to celebrate their success. Supported by the student teachers, they wrote a letter to the author and made posters detailing why others should read the story. They also had a campus tour and learnt about studying at university.

Read to Succeed is part of the University of Brighton’s Access and Participation Plan, which aims to enhance educational opportunities for young learners in the community.

You can learn more about the university’s outreach activities here.