Case Studies
Jenny Webb: Transforming Literacy Outcomes
When Jenny Webb began working with UCS Bolton, the school was facing a significant challenge: too many pupils were struggling with literacy, limiting their ability to access the wider curriculum and succeed in school.
Over the course of just 10 months, Jenny helped the school reduce its illiteracy rate by 46%, with pupils who began the year unable to read making an average of 25.4 months’ progress in just 10 months.
But the impact went far beyond the numbers.
Jenny worked alongside school leaders and staff to make meaningful changes to classroom practice and form-time reading, helping to create a culture where reading was valued, prioritised and, importantly, enjoyed by staff and pupils.
As Executive Principal James Inman explains:
“Jenny did a long-term piece of work with us and dramatically improved our literacy outcomes. She is very knowledgeable, but also brings a wealth of experience of actually implementing things successfully in real schools.
When she worked with leaders, she was honest about what needed to change, but also brought humour, direction and ongoing support which helped them to succeed. She built genuine, trusting relationships with colleagues, even those who initially lacked confidence. Her ability to work so well with people meant that she became part of the team, and that made sustained success possible.”
Jenny's approach wasn't simply about telling the school what to do. She worked with the people who would make the change happen building confidence, challenging thinking and providing the practical support needed to turn strategy into everyday practice.
The result was not just improved literacy outcomes, but a lasting shift in the school's culture and approach to reading.
“I would highly recommend Jenny to any school which wants to make real impact for the students who need it the most.”
James Inman | Former Executive Principal, UCS Bolton
