Evaluating a mastery approach to teaching English in Key Stage 3
This study looks at a learning programme called English Mastery. The goal is to see if it helps Year 7 and Year 8 pupils in England improve their English skills. Rather than signing up individual pupils, entire state secondary schools take part. Schools chosen for the programme give their teachers high-quality lesson resources, subject training, and regular coaching visits. Pupils then follow these planned lessons during their normal school timetable. The lessons cover the same key topics for all pupils, but materials can be adjusted so that anyone who struggles with reading can still keep up. Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University are evaluating the programme to see if it leads to better grades and confidence in English. Taking part involves no medical treatments, tests, or extra travel, as everything happens safely within regular classroom hours.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Good reading and writing skills are vital for everyday life. They help young people do well in exams, express their thoughts clearly, and find good jobs in the future. However, learning English at secondary school can sometimes feel challenging. The English Mastery programme was created to support teachers with top-quality materials and coaching so every pupil can build strong foundations.
In this study, researchers want to find out whether this way of teaching truly improves pupil progress compared to standard lessons. Whole schools are picked at random to either use English Mastery or continue with their usual teaching. This fair comparison allows researchers to see what really makes the biggest difference in the classroom.
Because this project takes place during normal school hours, children do not need to attend extra classes or sit unusual tests. Teachers receive dedicated coaching and ready-to-use lesson plans, which frees up their time to focus on supporting each pupil in class. The findings will help schools across the country choose the best ways to teach English.
Key takeaways
- A UK education study testing a new way of teaching Key Stage 3 English.
- Aims to boost reading and writing progress for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils.
- Takes place completely within ordinary school English lessons with no medical tests.
- Teachers receive structured materials, training, and regular coaching.
- Open only to selected state secondary schools in specific regions of England.
Who may be eligible?
This project is designed for state secondary schools rather than individual families. To take part, schools must be non-selective, meaning they welcome pupils of all abilities rather than using entrance exams like grammar schools. They also need to be located in the North, West Midlands, or East Midlands and Humber regions of England.
Participating schools must not have used the English Mastery programme before. They also need to teach at least three hours of timetabled English lessons per week to pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 across the study years.
Pupils do not sign up on their own. If a school agrees to join, all Year 7 and Year 8 pupils taking normal English lessons in that school will take part as part of their everyday school routine.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Your child attends a non-selective state secondary school.
- The school is located in the North, West Midlands, or East Midlands and Humber.
- Your child is in Key Stage 3 (Year 7 or Year 8, aged 11 to 13).
- The school provides at least three hours of timetabled English lessons each week.
- The school has not used the English Mastery programme in the past.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study happens entirely inside regular English lessons at school. There are no clinic visits, medical checks, or drugs involved. Pupils simply attend their usual English classes, where teachers use the new curriculum materials and teaching methods. All pupils learn the same core ideas, with adapted reading texts available if anyone needs extra help.
Teachers attend training workshops, receive remote guidance, and welcome expert coaches into the school twice a year. The researchers look at regular school assessments and test results to see how pupils progress over time. The overall study runs between 2022 and 2026, and each group of pupils takes part during Year 7 and Year 8.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Sheffield Institute of EducationApproximateSheffield, England
Common questions
Does my child have to stay after school for extra classes?
No. All activities and lessons happen during regular, timetabled school hours.
Are there any medical tests or treatments involved?
No. This is purely an education study looking at how English is taught in schools.
What happens if a pupil finds English difficult?
The programme includes adapted materials, such as shortened reading texts, so that all pupils can follow the same topics at a comfortable pace.
Can individual parents sign up their children directly?
No. Entire schools are enrolled by their leadership teams, so individual pupils cannot apply on their own.
Who is running and funding this study?
The study is funded by the Education Endowment Foundation. Ark Curriculum designed the teaching materials, and Sheffield Hallam University evaluates the results.
How to find out more
Martin Culliney
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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