Why Closing the Word Gap Matters

The Oxford Language Report has found evidence of a significant word gap in UK schools, an increasing problem which is holding back children's learning

To better understand the word gap, we've carried out market research with more than 1,300 teachers in the UK. Over half of those surveyed reported that at least 40% of their pupils lacked the vocabulary needed to access their learning. Worryingly, 69% of primary school teachers and 60% of secondary school teachers believe the gap is increasing.

In schools, language underpins progress, impacts on attainment throughout primary and secondary years, affects self-esteem and behaviour and plays a huge role in a child's future life chances. Without enough language - a word gap - a child is seriously limited in their enjoyment of school and success beyond.

Our top three practical takeaways from the report for helping to close the word gap are:

Bringing vocabulary practice into mainstream class teaching
Focusing on key subject vocabulary, and learning language in the context of use
The importance of conversations and wider reading in the classroom and at home

What are yours? Join in the conversation with us #wordgap.

Find out more about this report

Close the Word Gap with the Oxford Language Report

Oxford Language Report - an overview

Coffee and Word Gap

Find support and tips to combat the word gap among early learners in our short video

Why closing the word gap matters

The word gap in UK Primary schools

The word gap in UK secondary schools

How does the word gap affect pupils' life chances?

A practical guide to closing the word gap

Closing the word gap with reading for pleasure

Helping to close the word gap

Early years and primary language resources

Nuffield Early Language Intervention

Address the word gap right at the very start with this 20-week programme for children in their first year of primary school who show weakness in their oral language skills

Read Write Inc. Phonics

Reading and writing right from the start

Oxford Levels

Our Oxford Levels system means you can accurately match children to the right book, and are correlated with the Oxford Reading Criterion Scale so you can assess and identify next steps

Oxford Owl

Oxford Owl is packed with the tools and expert advice you need for monitoring progress and motivating your children

PX Code

Proven reading intervention for children in Years 2–4 who are a year or more behind in their word reading

Oxford Children's Dictionaries

Encourage a love of words and language with our range of dictionaries, thesauruses and free online resources specially compiled to meet the demands of the school curriculum

Secondary English language resources

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Series	Catapult Boosting your lower-attaining students' key skills and confidence to help them catch up
Series	Oxford Playscripts Bringing theatre to your classroom for over 25 years: popular adaptations and original drama
Series	Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) Improves children’s oral language skills and supports reading comprehension
Series	Project X CODE Proven phonics intervention for Years 2-4
Series	Read Write Inc. Fresh Start - New Edition Give your struggling pupils a Fresh Start in reading and writing
Series	RSC School Shakespeare Discover, connect, inspire
Series	Rollercoasters (KS3) An exciting range of classroom fiction and free online teaching resources for KS3
Series	To 14 Up-to-date support giving students lasting confidence in essential reading and writing skills
Series	Ignite English (KS3) Delivering the KS3 curriculum and laying the foundations for GCSE