Oxford University Press has just released their latest research report.

This report is their most practical yet, and is a series of case studies from 9 schools (5 Primary and 4 Secondary) detailing the barriers they face, the ideas and activities they have implemented, and the results they have seen. Each case study has been commented on by Helen Prince,  and offers some simple tips and suggestions to other schools looking for ways to increase their young people’s vocabulary.

We think it tells a powerful story of the challenges and actions teachers are taking to address this significant problem – at times it’s desperately sad, but also full of hope and brilliant teachers making a difference.  It is this impact that we want to share in order to further inspire others to narrow this critical language gap. 

“Throughout this report, there is a vibrancy with which schools prioritize vocabulary and value talk…The joy of enabling our young people to articulate their ideas, hopes and emotions surely lies at the heart of teaching – and is captured at the heart of this report.” – Helen Prince, author of Get it Right: Boost your Vocabulary, advisor, and CEO of Chatterstars

“Though we should be vigilant about the impact of the pandemic on pupils in English schools, we should also celebrate the brilliant work of schools who are tackling the ‘word gap’. This new report, How Schools are Closing the Word Gap, offers an array of excellent case studies from both primary and secondary schools. At once, it is a fillip to see best practice spreading far and wide, whilst offering schools yet more ideas and approaches to tackle the challenge faced by pupils.” – Alex Quigley, author, former teacher, and National Content Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation

How Schools are Closing the Word Gap Oxford Language Report 2021-22