Pathways to Write: Curriculum and Assessment Changes

Pathways to Write, the flagship programme from The Literacy Company, was originally launched in 2018. It is successfully used in over 1200 schools in the UK and internationally. It is widely praised for its mastery approach, the use of engaging texts and the progressive way writing skills build across a child’s primary journey.

However, reflection and change are crucial to remaining relevant and successful. Whilst the programme has continually been amended, updated and added to in light of recommendations, the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review and the Writing Framework means it is time for a few changes to be made.

In keeping with Becky Francis’ ‘evolution, not revolution’ proposal, we invited teachers and senior leaders currently using Pathways to Write in their schools to join our Pathways Advisory Panel to ensure any changes reflect the opinions of those in the classroom. Our panel join us from around the country and internationally to reflect the diverse range of schools, with variation in size, geographic context, levels of pupil premium eligibility, and experience with using Pathways.

We were thrilled to hear such positive feedback as the panel universally agreed what is working well:

• Mastery keys are well-mapped out and progressive
• Feature keys and mastery progression are very useful
• Learning is broken down into clear chunks
• The Gateway allows pupils and teachers to assess and reflect before moving on to ensure gaps are closed
• Repetition within and across year groups
• Pupils are familiar with different genres and stamina has increased
• Staff love the modelled examples and users of our newer Y3 units have found increased focus on the gradual release very helpful for pupils and staff confidence
• Texts are engaging and ensure a ‘windows and mirrors’ ethos for pupils
• Exemplifications are supportive for staff to see expectations

It is interesting to see references in the Curriculum and Assessment Review to the mastery approach, a model we have long-championed within Pathways to Write. The mastery approach helps students understand core concepts and that ‘securing mastery in a subject is vital for raising standards and enabling future expertise.’ (Department for Education, 2025)

So, with all of these important features to remain, what will change?

Purpose and audience

“For successful writing, it is important to establish a clear purpose from the beginning. Pupils should be guided to articulate their ideas and consider their audience.” (Department for Education, 2025)

All of our P2W units will clearly label the intended purpose and audience at the start of the unit so that this can be discussed with pupils in advance of writing.

The Gateway

“Teachers use assessment to ensure writing instruction is properly sequenced, allowing them to match teaching to pupils’ existing knowledge and identify gaps. By treating assessment as a continuous process rather than a final test, teachers gather evidence to inform their planning, ensuring they do not teach content that is too advanced or unnecessary.” (EEF, 2021)

Gateway keys will be slimmed down to allow for a tighter focus on mastering sentences. The Gateway tasks will match the genre of the final piece, with further support on planning and what pupils should aim to write. To support pupils who are working towards the expected standard, the Gateway Keys will match Pathways to Progress skills so that this intervention programme can fully support what is taught in the classroom.

Adaptations for pupils working below and GDS

“Give schools sufficient time to consolidate learning” so pupils – especially those with SEND – can build new knowledge in their long‑term memory more easily. (Department for Education, 2025)

This was a big focus during our consultation with the Pathways Panel as it affects every classroom. Supporting documentation for making adaptations is currently available in the Key Documents section of the Platform. However, guidance will be clearer thanks to an adaptation page at the start of each unit. This will show teachers how to adapt Mastery Keys and the outcome for pupils working below. As well as this, most sessions throughout the Pathway will have an adapted activity for pupils who may struggle with the main task. This will follow an agreed progressive Pathway so staff are reassured that progress is still being made. Further recommendations for greater depth pupils will also be a feature of the updated units.

Sentence practice and oracy

“The best way to teach pupils to write is by teaching them to master sentences. Ensure time is deliberately built into lessons for pupils to discuss, rehearse and refine their ideas orally before committing them to paper.” (Department for Education, 2025)

Teachers love the way Pathways threads the teaching of grammar and sentences into the lessons, ensuring purposeful application. However, we intend to make the teaching and practice of this more explicit so it does not get missed. Opportunities for oral rehearsal will be clear and plentiful, always linked to the Gateway and Mastery keys appropriate to the unit.

Gradual Release of Responsibility

“Showing what skilled writers do is a vital part of teaching writing. Approaches that allow a slow release of responsibility from the teacher to the pupil have been shown to be effective.” (Department for Education, 2025)

All of our updated units will have clearer instruction around the gradual release of writing to support teachers with the I do, we do, you do approach. Examples will show how skills are applied within a model text and at which point they should ‘let go’ to build pupils’ understanding, confidence and independence.

Streamline

And finally, in response to our panel’s comments, Pathways to Write will continue to include a range of genres within a unit but this will be refined. All tasks will build towards the final outcome, allowing for practice of the skills needed to be successful.

When will these changes be implemented?

Excited? Us too! We’ve had many discussions about these changes as a team and we can’t wait to get these updated units out into our schools. We believe these edits will make a big impact in your classrooms. Due to the number of resources that will need to be amended, we will be releasing the updated versions periodically throughout 2026/27 ahead of when teachers will need them. Members of the Pathways Platform will be able to access Autumn 1 in time for September.

You can also contact online@theliteracycompany.co.uk for more information on the Platform so your school does not miss out on our updates in line with all government guidance and the latest research.

References

Department for Education (2025) Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report: Building a world-class curriculum for all, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/curriculum-and-assessment-review-final-report

Department for Education (2025) The writing framework, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-writing-framework

EEF (2021) Improving Literacy in KS2: Guidance Report https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/guidance-reports/literacy-ks2