This programme has been co-designed by Local Authority and Research School Network colleagues, drawing on high-quality evidence from The EEF and the expertise of the team at Somerset Research School. Launched in Autumn 2024, it provides high-quality, evidence-informed training and resources for leaders and teachers in Wiltshire schools. 

What is the aim?

Our aim is to support school leaders and also Reception & Y1 teachers to implement evidence-informed practice, leading to improvements in communication and language outcomes for all Wiltshire pupils, but especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is the challenge?

Disadvantaged learners in Wiltshire currently underachieve across all key stages compared to disadvantaged pupils, nationally. In direct contrast, Wiltshire’s non-disadvantaged learners perform better than non-disadvantaged peers, nationally.

When examining the Early Learning Goals, the biggest gap is in literacy. Only half of all disadvantaged EYFS learners in Wiltshire make expected progress. This gap persists through to Year 1 phonics results and also widens in KS2 SATS results.

The gap is perhaps most keenly felt in KS4 outcomes, where disadvantaged learners in Wiltshire can expect to achieve an average GCSE grade of 3 compared to their non-disadvantaged peers who achieve an average grade 5.

Poor foundations in literacy in the early years, specifically in communication and language development, is contributing to gap widening, resulting in significant underachievement throughout Wiltshire learners’ education.

The Story so far

The Cracking Communication programme was successfully introduced to a small number of schools in Chippenham and Salisbury in Wave 1 (2024÷25) through Wiltshire’s existing hub structure.

The programme provides high-quality, evidence-informed training and resources for leaders and teachers in Wiltshire schools. It has been co-designed by Local Authority and Stronger Practice Hub colleagues, drawing on high-quality evidence from The EEF and the expertise of the team at Somerset Research School.

Wave 2 (2025−26) will see a roll-out to 30 schools across the county.
The programme will be fully funded, therefore there will be no cost to schools