A pioneering literacy initiative emerging from Bradford is drawing national attention after the success of the Neesie Literacy Lead Leadership Programme was spotlighted in a policy paper shared with the Secretary of State for Education at Downing Street.
The programme, developed by grassroots organisation Neesie and funded by the National Lottery Reaching Communities fund, tackled deep-rooted literacy challenges across five primary schools in Bradford, one of the UK’s most disadvantaged areas for education outcomes. With one in four local children not meeting expected literacy standards by the end of primary school and that figure rising to 40% among disadvantaged pupils Neesie stepped in with a bold, community-led solution.
“We knew the old models weren’t working,” said Uzma Rashid, retired teacher and chairwoman of Neesie. “So, we decided to stop waiting for change and become the change ourselves.”
Over the past year, the programme has delivered intensive literacy support through a unique peer-mentorship model. Students from New College Bradford were trained as Literacy Lead Ambassadors and paired with struggling pupils, becoming mentors, tutors, and positive role models.
A key pillar of the initiative was also strengthening the crucial triangle between school, parent, and child. Neesie recognised that long-term change couldn’t happen without empowering families. Parents were actively engaged and upskilled through targeted workshops and one-to-one support, enabling them to confidently support their children’s learning at home. This holistic approach ensured that learning didn’t stop at the school gates and helped to build a stronger, more unified educational ecosystem around each child.
Image: Sanah Akhter/RFMP
The results have been nothing short of transformative:
- 70% of participating pupils showed significant improvement in reading and writing.
- Over 50% are now meeting or exceeding expected literacy levels.
- A noticeable boost in self-esteem, curiosity, and classroom engagement was observed across all schools involved.
At a recent London Summit hosted by Dr. Simon Opher MP, the project celebrated the graduation of 11 exceptional young literacy leaders who helped lead the change—not only improving academic outcomes but inspiring a movement of community-driven education reform.
“This programme is more than an intervention, it’s a movement,” said Dr. Opher. “It shows what’s possible when we invest in local leadership, in young people, and in grassroots innovation.”
The initiative has earned the backing of the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund, and its model has now captured the interest of national policymakers.
Lord Wajid Khan, Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government, praised the initiative’s community impact:
“Strong communities begin with strong education. The Neesie Literacy Lead Leadership Programme is a shining example of how locally rooted, youth-led solutions can lift families, schools, and entire neighbourhoods. When we invest in literacy, we are not only opening books we are opening doors to opportunity, growth, and lasting prosperity.”
What began as a Bradford-born solution has become a national model for literacy attainment, prompting policy conversations on how hyperlocal, youth-led interventions can effectively tackle entrenched educational inequality.
Noreen Khan, Programme Director at Neesie, added:
“Our vision is simple: every child deserves the right to read, to learn, and to lead. The Literacy Lead Leadership Programme proves that with the right support, young people can not only overcome barriers but become the drivers of educational change in their communities.”
The initiative is now seeking opportunities to scale across other parts of the UK, continuing its mission to ensure no child is left behind because of where they come from.
