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.

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About King’s College Riyadh

King’s College Riyadh is a premium British international school for boys and girls aged 3 to 13, offering a world-class education in the heart of Diriyah. Opened in August 2021 as part of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s International Schools Attraction Programme, it is the first British private school to establish a presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in partnership with a prestigious UK school. Affiliated with King’s College UK, the school draws on over 145 years of academic excellence and tradition, delivering a British curriculum enriched with Arabic language, Islamic Studies, and Saudi Social Studies. King’s College Riyadh prepares pupils to achieve their full potential while maintaining a strong connection to their cultural heritage.

Read more about King’s College Riyadh at: www.kingscollegeriyadh.com

About Cognita

Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of schools that span 21 countries and share one common purpose: to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 90 schools in Europe and the US, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, Cognita employs over 22,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 100,000 students across five regions and offers 14 academic curricula. Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, to develop all-round academic excellence – equipping young people with the agency, adaptability and positive attitudes that prepares them to grow, thrive and find their success in a rapidly evolving world.  

Cognita Middle East has 14 schools within its portfolio, including: RGS Guildford Dubai, Repton Dubai, Repton Al Barsha and Repton Abu Dhabi, Horizon English School, Horizon International School, Ranches Primary School and Al Ain English Speaking School in the UAE, Dasman Bilingual School in Kuwait, Downe House Riyadh and King’s College Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Downe House Muscat and Cheltenham Muscat in Oman, and King’s College Doha in Qatar. www.cognita.com.