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<p>This Government is committed to continuing to raise literacy standards to give
all pupils a solid base upon which to build as they progress through school. Scores
in international assessments such as the Progress in International Reading Literacy
Study (PIRLS) have improved notably, particularly for boys and the lowest performing
pupils, narrowing the gap between the higher and lower performing pupils. PIRLS scores
are available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pirls-2016-reading-literacy-performance-in-england"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pirls-2016-reading-literacy-performance-in-england</a>.</p><p>In
2018, the Department launched the £26.3 million English Hubs Programme, which is dedicated
to improving the teaching of reading, with a focus on supporting children making the
slowest progress in reading. It has since provided appropriate and targeted support
to several thousands of schools across England.</p><p>In 2021, the Department published
non-statutory guidance aimed at improving the teaching of the foundations of reading
in primary schools.</p><p>The Department’s measures also include an updated list of
validated phonics programmes, funding for the purchase of phonics programmes and a
new National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy.</p>
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