Nurturing a Culture of Reading at The Stockwood Park Academy

As a good Luton school with a strong reputation in the local community, The Stockwood Park Academy is dedicated to nurturing a lifelong love of reading and developing the literacy skills students need to thrive,both academically and personally. As one of the best schools in Luton, we believe that reading should be an integral part of everyday life. That’s why we embed it throughout our excellent curriculum, tutor time, enrichment programmes, and tailored interventions, creating a culture where reading is celebrated and accessible to all.

Inspiring a Passion for Reading in Our Students

As a good local school, we engage students in reading from the moment they walk through our doors. During tutor time, our Just Read programme ensures every student reads whole books as part of their weekly routine. These are not passive sessions; teachers model expressive, fluent reading using Teach Like a Champion (TLAC) strategies, and students are encouraged to read aloud, boosting confidence, fluency, and comprehension.

Our vibrant school library, open before and after school, during breaks, and lunchtimes, hosts over 6,500 books for a wide range of interests and abilities. From accessible reads to a challenging 13+ section, we cater for everyone. Managed by a dedicated and passionate librarian, the space reflects our inclusive ethos, with themed displays, genre-specific mini libraries, and a strong focus on diversity in literature.

Reading is further supported through our daily Lunchtime Reading Club and Sparx Reader, an adaptive online tool that matches students with books suited to their individual reading level. Our experienced staff offer guidance and reading intervention support where needed, creating a welcoming, nurturing environment for all learners.

As a local school rooted in our community, we value shared celebration. World Book Day is a highlight, filled with activities such as our popular “Masked Reader” contest, staff costumes, and book voucher giveaways. Throughout the year, we reward reading progress with prizes from our book vending machine, celebration assemblies, and special recognition during themed weeks.

A Curriculum That Embeds Literacy Across Every Subject

At The Stockwood Park Academy, reading development isn’t confined to English lessons, it is a shared responsibility across all departments. Our excellent curriculum supports disciplinary literacy, ensuring students understand and apply subject-specific language confidently. From Shakespearean drama to political theory, students engage with rich, challenging texts, supported by vocabulary instruction and discussion-led learning.

Teachers incorporate strategies like Turn and Talk and SHAPE responses to support oracy and deep comprehension. Reading aloud, guided reading, and structured discussion are essential to curriculum delivery, helping students become articulate, analytical thinkers.

All students also use Sparx Reader during dedicated lessons and homework, helping them develop independent reading habits. This data-driven platform allows teachers to monitor engagement and progress in real-time, ensuring each learner is appropriately supported and stretched.

Supporting Every Student with Targeted Interventions

As one of the best schools in Luton, we believe no student should be left behind. Our targeted reading interventions help those who need additional support, including learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL) or Special Educational Needs (SEN). Small-group sessions, delivered three times a week by skilled, often primary-trained staff, focus on building phonics, fluency, and comprehension using proven methods like reciprocal reading.

Specialist staff, led by our Fresh Start leader—deliver high-quality phonics instruction, while assessments such as GL’s New Group Reading Test (NGRT) help us identify gaps, track progress, and tailor our teaching.

EAL learners also benefit from structured resources such as the Learning Village, alongside group reading activities that build confidence and fluency in a supportive setting. Inclusion is at the heart of our approach, ensuring all students can access the full curriculum.

A Community Where Reading Thrives

At The Stockwood Park Academy, we don’t just teach reading—we live it. We are proud to be a good Luton school that creates confident, capable, and curious readers. Whether through daily engagement, a rich and excellent curriculum, or expert support, we are building a community of lifelong readers—empowered to succeed in school and beyond.

For families seeking a good local school with high aspirations, an inclusive ethos, and a deep commitment to literacy, The Stockwood Park Academy stands out as one of the best schools in Luton.

Miss Kabir