RAISE Primary Numeracy and Literacy/Transitions Support Programme

The RAISE Primary Literacy and Numeracy / Transitions Support Programme is a targeted support initiative designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for pupils in Years 6 and 7 and support children as they transition from primary to post-primary education.

School participation is on an entirely voluntary basis.

Programme overview

The RAISE Primary Literacy and Numeracy / Transitions Support Programme consists of two elements; 

• a Primary Literacy and Numeracy Support Scheme to support targeted literacy and numeracy interventions for Year 6 and Year 7 pupils; and
• a Transition Partnership Scheme to support the formation of clusters enabling post-primary schools and feeder primary schools to work together to strengthen transition arrangements for pupils moving from Year 7 to Year 8. 

The programme is proposed to address two linked issues by:

• Enabling schools to provide targeted additional literacy and numeracy teaching for pupils in Years 6 and 7 before entry to post-primary education. Approaches may be tailored by schools to best suit their context and should complement high-quality classroom teaching; and
• Facilitating a more structured transition experience for pupils moving from Year 7 to Year 8, delivered through partnerships between post-primary schools and feeder primary schools between May and August 2027. 

The Programme aims to:

• Improve literacy and numeracy attainment among Year 6 and Year 7 pupils through additional one to one, small group and/or team teaching support to targeted pupils
• Improve transition arrangements between primary and post-primary schools; and
• Build confidence, engagement and continuity for children and families during the move to post-primary.

Expressions of Interest Process

Expressions of Interest were invited from eligible schools wishing to participate in the RAISE Primary Literacy and Numeracy / Transitions Support Programme.

Primary schools wishing to apply for the Primary Literacy and Numeracy Support Scheme and post-primary schools wishing to apply to lead a Transition Partnership Scheme cluster were invited to complete the relevant online Expression of Interest form by 1 October at 12 noon.

Expressions of Interest will now be assessed.

Full details of the Programme, including eligibility criteria, funding arrangements, programme requirements and school commitments are available within the Programme Guidance document. 

• RAISE Primary Literacy and Numeracy / Transitions Support Programme Guidance

Further Information

For queries regarding the RAISE Primary Literacy and Numeracy / Transitions Support Programme please contact the RAISE Team at raise@education-ni.gov.uk.