King's College Riyadh Introduces Read Write Inc. to Strengthen Early Reading from August 2026

Leading British phonics programme to support students in building strong foundations in reading, writing and communication 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 29 June 2026: King's College Riyadh is delighted to announce that it will introduce Read Write Inc., one of the United Kingdom's leading phonics and early reading programmes to EYFS, from the start of the 2026-27 academic year, reinforcing its commitment to providing children with a strong foundation in literacy.

Used in more than 8,000 schools across the UK, Read Write Inc. is an award-winning literacy programme that helps children become confident readers while developing their writing, spelling, vocabulary and communication skills. The programme aims for children to begin reading simple texts by the end of Reception and storybooks by the end of Year 1. Recognising that reading underpins success across the curriculum, the school will introduce the programme across Reception to Year 3, with teaching tailored to each child's stage of reading development.

Students will complete a baseline assessment before being grouped according to their reading ability rather than their age, allowing teachers to deliver targeted teaching that meets individual learning needs. Progress will be monitored through regular assessments, ensuring students continue to receive the appropriate level of support as they develop their reading skills.

Delivered through daily phonics lessons, the programme teaches students to recognise the relationship between letters and sounds, blend sounds to read unfamiliar words and gradually build reading fluency. Parents will also be able to support learning at home through online resources and activities that complement classroom teaching, helping to create a consistent approach to reading both at school and at home.

Jacqueline Doran, Principal, at King’s College Riyadh, said: 'At King's College Riyadh, we believe reading is a vital skill that supports learning across all subjects and helps students grow in confidence. By introducing Read Write Inc., we are adopting an internationally recognised, evidence-informed approach that supports every student's development and helps them become confident, fluent readers. We look forward to working closely with families as we introduce the programme and continue providing our students with the strongest possible start to their learning journey.'

As a leading British international school in Saudi Arabia, King's College Riyadh combines the very best of British education with a deep appreciation of Saudi culture and values, ensuring students benefit from high-quality teaching that supports both academic achievement and personal development.