NSW School Triples Reading Success with Phonics Focus

Halfway through kindergarten, students at Miranda Public School couldn't believe what they were doing: reading and writing on their own.

That moment of wonder reflects four years of deliberate change at the NSW school, now recognized among just 60 public schools statewide for exceptional improvement in phonics results. Miranda Public School achieved a remarkable 30-percentage point lift in foundational literacy benchmarks between 2022 and 2026.

The secret wasn't fancy technology or expensive programs. Assistant Principal Kellie Shields says the school prioritized explicit phonics teaching, uninterrupted literacy blocks, and consistent data sharing across classrooms to identify which students needed support and which needed challenges.

"Because we have high expectations of their learning, students know they can achieve," Shields said. The school's approach builds strong foundations in kindergarten that carry students forward through their early years.

The Ripple Effect

Miranda's success reflects a broader transformation across New South Wales. Statewide, explicit phonics instruction has driven a nine-percentage point boost in screening check results, with nearly two-thirds of year 1 students now hitting foundational literacy benchmarks compared to just half in 2022.

The improvements come alongside practical supports that make consistent teaching possible. NSW converted tens of thousands of temporary teaching positions into permanent roles and reduced teacher vacancies to a 12-year low, giving classrooms the stability they need to implement evidence-based methods.

Schools have also introduced a number screening check for year 1 students and expanded small group tutoring in reading, writing, and mathematics. These targeted interventions ensure students who need extra help receive it early, before gaps widen.

For families, Shields has straightforward advice that doesn't add stress to busy schedules. "We don't push homework, as we know families are busy, but if you can read with your child, that is the most important thing you can do."

The results speak clearly: when schools commit to proven teaching methods and support teachers with stable working conditions, young students thrive in ways that surprise even themselves.