A new digital resource, the Reading Assessment and Text Transformation Tool, has been launched in Powys, aiming to enhance reading progression for students. Developed by the Powys County Council in collaboration with its Education and Digital Services, this innovative tool is designed to support teachers in assessing and improving pupils’ reading skills.
The initiative underscores the council’s commitment to integrating technology into education. By leveraging cross-service collaboration, the tool aims to create significant, real-world improvements for learners across the region. Since summer 2025, efforts have focused on creating a bilingual resource that allows educators to quickly evaluate students’ reading ages and adapt texts to meet individual needs.
Functionality and Implementation
Currently being trialled in four schools—Archdeacon Griffiths CiW School, Gwernyfed High School, Newtown High School, and Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd—the tool offers functionality in both English and Welsh. It is expected to be rolled out more widely by November 2025.
The tool is designed to streamline the reading age assessment process, ultimately saving teachers valuable time. Its features support adaptive teaching by modifying texts to align with different learners’ reading levels. This promotes equity by ensuring that all pupils can access curriculum content while encouraging independent learning through personalized reading materials.
Statements from Council Officials
Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, emphasized the positive impact of the tool, stating, “This is a fantastic example of how innovation and collaboration can directly benefit our learners. By harnessing AI responsibly, we’re giving teachers powerful tools to tailor support and improve outcomes for every pupil. It’s about making education more inclusive, more efficient, and more effective.”
In addition, Councillor Raiff Devlin, Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, noted the broader implications of the project. He remarked, “Digital transformation isn’t just about technology – it’s about people. This project shows how our digital services can work hand-in-hand with education to create meaningful change. We’re proud to be leading the way in using AI to support our communities and improve lives.”
The introduction of this tool highlights how educational authorities can harness technology to foster an environment conducive to learning. As the tool continues to be evaluated, its potential to reshape reading instruction and support diverse learning needs stands as a promising advancement in the educational landscape of Powys.
