What is the literacy score measure?
The literacy score is a measure of literacy vulnerability which we developed with Experian in 2017.
Together we have created constituency literacy rankings which measure literacy need in every electoral ward and in each parliamentary constituency in England.
Each constituency’s literacy score is built on Experian’s data expertise and our understanding of the socioeconomic factors most closely associated with low literacy, including levels of education, income and unemployment.
What do the literacy scores show?
Experian’s analysis showed that literacy problems are embedded in the social fabric of our country, with 86% of English constituencies having at least one ward with urgent literacy need. The analysis also found that:
- Low literacy levels aren’t restricted to regions with low income, employment and social deprivation.
- The constituency with the greatest literacy need is Middlesbrough, followed by Barking, Hackney South and Shoreditch, Liverpool (Walton) and Sheffield (Brightside and Hillsborough).
- All 50 places suffering the most come from either cities or towns, or districts surrounding urban areas.
Our local solution – National Literacy Trust Hubs
National Literacy Trust Hubs bring together local partners to tackle literacy issues in communities across the UK where low levels of literacy are seriously impacting on people’s lives.
We work with local businesses, health, education and cultural organisations to help raise literacy levels in our Hub areas. Our approach is different in each place we work because every community has different needs and this is the best way to create long-lasting change.
We’re currently working in twelve Hub locations, including Stoke-on-Trent, Middlesbrough and Bradford. You can see more about all of our Hubs here.
Find out more
- For more information on the literacy need in your area and for support to improve literacy, email policy@literacytrust.org.uk.
- For more information on our National Literacy Trust Hubs email Jason.Vit@literacytrust.org.uk.