Case Study
Lancaster Academy
Transforming Learning: How Lancaster Academy Used Lexonik to Boost Literacy
Average Reading Age Progress (Oct ‘22 – Oct ‘23): 18 months
Students Impacted: 68 students
The Challenge
Lancaster Academy, a member of the Learning Without Limits Academy Trust (LwLAT) in Leicester, has a mission to equip every student with the skills needed for success in both academics and life. However, with a high proportion of pupil premium (PP) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, many lacked foundational literacy skills, making it difficult to access the broader curriculum. Compounded by new arrivals to the country with limited phonics experience, the academy faced a significant challenge in helping these students rapidly catch up.
In response, Lancaster Academy sought a structured, effective literacy intervention that could be easily delivered by non-specialist teaching staff and quickly close literacy gaps.
The Solution
Through a referral from another school, Lancaster Academy discovered Lexonik’s Leap and Advance programmes, specifically designed to address literacy challenges with structured phonics and reading support. After an initial demonstration, the school quickly implemented Lexonik Leap for 68 of their most struggling readers, aged 11 to 13, to help them build the reading foundation necessary for Key Stage 4 and GCSE readiness.
Lexonik’s approach was ideal for Lancaster Academy’s needs. The programme came with a wealth of accessible resources, including phonics guides and training videos, which empowered intervention tutors and teaching assistants to confidently lead sessions without extensive prior training.
The Results
The impact of Lexonik has been transformative. Over the 2022-2023 academic year, students saw an average reading age gain of 18 months, a significant achievement for a high-need cohort. Teachers across various subjects noted the difference, observing how students applied Lexonik’s principles to decode words and understand vocabulary in all their classes.
In Lancaster Academy’s most recent Ofsted report, the school’s “prioritisation of reading” received high praise. The inspectors commended the phonics programmes, including Lexonik Leap and Advance, for helping “pupils improve their reading and access the rest of the curriculum.” This recognition validated Lancaster’s approach and underscored the importance of their commitment to structured reading interventions.
Conclusion
Lancaster Academy’s success with Lexonik illustrates how a well-supported literacy intervention can create lasting change. Loretta Eatwell, Strategic Lead for Whole School Reading, speaks to the programme’s impact: “Students love the game-based elements, and teachers feel empowered by the quality of Lexonik’s resources. The support from Lexonik has been excellent; it’s truly a win-win.”
Encouraging other schools to consider Lexonik, Eatwell adds, “It’s straightforward to implement, backed by quality training and ongoing support. For us, Lexonik has proven invaluable in our mission to bridge literacy gaps and set every student up for success.”
Ready to empower learners? Start your new literacy journey today.
Equip learners with essential reading skills and a rich vocabulary for lifelong success.