English Hubs

Resource type: CPD course

Price band: Free

Key stage: KS1, KS2, KS3, EYFS

Region(s): England

The English Hubs are a network of 34 schools appointed by the Department for Education to support schools in developing high-quality reading provision and improving outcomes for pupils from EYFS to KS3.

The programme focuses on five key areas:

Early Language Development: Providing evidence-based approaches to strengthen communication and language across primary schools.
Early Reading and Phonics: Supporting best practice in the teaching of systematic synthetic phonics.
KS2 Reading Support: Supporting schools to improve reading fluency, comprehension and catch-up phonics provision for pupils who require additional reading support in KS2.
Reading for Pleasure: Helping primary schools develop a whole-school reading culture.
KS3 Reading Support: Helping secondary schools strengthen support for pupils with reading needs and develop a whole-school approach to reading.

English Hubs were selected for their expertise in teaching reading and offer state-funded schools access to:

High-quality CPD, webinars, workshops and showcase events that demonstrate effective practice.
Reading, language and literacy audits to identify strengths and priorities for development.
Support to create and implement evidence-informed improvement plans.
Tailored support from experienced Literacy Specialists.
Intensive support programmes for eligible schools, including sustained improvement support over time.
Access to matched funding of up to £6,000 for eligible schools to invest in approved training and resources.

Each English Hub organises its own programme of events and supports schools within a designated geographical area. Many hubs also offer online training that can be accessed nationally. Schools interested in receiving support can contact their local English Hub directly or complete the relevant self-referral process to determine eligibility for audits, funding and intensive support.

Cost: Free

About English Hubs: The English Hubs Programme was launched by the Department for Education in 2018. Each hub is led by a Hub Lead and supported by a team of trained Literacy Specialists who work directly with schools to strengthen reading provision. The programme focuses on evidence-informed practice, professional development and school-to-school support to improve reading outcomes for children and young people.

Literacy Hive Likes:

Find your local English Hub with the interactive map.
Schools can access a combination of audits, funding, CPD and tailored support, all fully-funded.
The extended 2026/27 programme provides a clearer reading improvement pathway from Early Years through to KS3, helping schools support pupils who continue to need additional reading support beyond primary school.
Working with an English Hub enables schools to network and share effective practice with other schools in their area.