Major AI literacy research study to transform reading support in Northern Ireland schools

Education Minister Paul Givan is pictured signing the agreement with Mark Angel, Chief Executive Officer, Amira Learning and Professor Tim Vorley, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean, Oxford Brookes University.

In a significant step towards enhancing literacy among pupils, Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a pioneering research study to evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on reading outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with Special Educational Needs.

The initiative, part of the RAISE Programme’s seven cross-cutting projects for the 2025/26 academic year, will involve over 15,000 pupils across Northern Ireland, harnessing the power of AI to support literacy development.

The Reading with AI Research Project, led by Oxford Brookes University in partnership with Amira Learning, aims to generate robust evidence to inform national literacy policy and empower teachers with data-driven insights.

This ambitious study, set to commence in the 2025/26 academic year, will assess the effectiveness of evidence-based AI literacy tools in improving reading skills, with a focus on early intervention and personalised support.

A Groundbreaking Approach to Literacy Support

The research will involve pupils in Years 3, 5, 7, and 8, who will participate in a 15-minute baseline assessment to evaluate their reading abilities and screen for challenges such as dyslexia.

Over a six-month period, pupils will engage with Amira Learning’s AI-powered reading tutor for 20-40 minutes weekly.

Amira, developed through over 30 years of research at Carnegie Mellon University, listens to students read aloud, assesses their mastery, and delivers personalised tutoring using science-based micro-interventions. These interventions target specific reading skills gaps, incorporating decodable texts, guided practice, and explicit instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Education Minister Paul Givan highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating:

“Today I am announcing a new and innovative active research project. In partnership with Oxford Brookes University, more than 15,000 pupils will have the opportunity to use an AI-powered reading tutor over a 12-month period, generating robust evidence to inform national literacy policy and support data-informed teaching in the classroom.”

The study employs a matched-pair design, comparing reading outcomes between two groups of pupils with similar reading abilities and demographics. One group will use Amira Learning’s AI tool, while the other will follow standard classroom teaching methods.

Continuous monitoring and data collection will provide insights into the tool’s effectiveness, enabling researchers to evaluate its impact on reading outcomes.

Empowering Teachers with Data-Driven Insights

A key component of the project is the comprehensive training provided to teachers by Oxford Brookes University.

Through face-to-face and online sessions, educators will learn to interpret detailed assessment reports, enabling them to identify struggling readers and implement individualised, evidence-based interventions aligned with the Science of Reading.

This approach supports Northern Ireland’s ongoing shift towards evidence-based educational tools, ensuring that classroom practices are informed by robust data.

The Education Minister emphasised the transformative potential of literacy, stating:

“Literacy is core to allowing pupils to access knowledge and all areas of learning within the curriculum. It is the key to unlocking the curriculum and a love for learning. I am looking forward to the outcomes of this research project and how these can inform my Department’s policy going forward.”

A Collaborative Effort to Shape Educational Policy

The Reading with AI Research Project is a collaboration between Oxford Brookes University, a national leader in teacher education with over 25 years of experience, and Amira Learning, an AI-driven platform rooted in decades of research.

Oxford Brookes, through its Hamilton Brookes arm, has a strong track record of working with schools to develop practical, research-informed resources. Amira Learning, meanwhile, leverages AI to deliver personalised tutoring, drawing on over 100 studies that demonstrate the efficacy of intelligent tutoring systems in improving reading outcomes.

The study is open to all schools across Northern Ireland, excluding preparatory and independent schools, with a representative sample selected if the project is oversubscribed. By focusing on disadvantaged pupils and those with Special Educational Needs, the initiative aligns with the RAISE Programme’s mission to tackle educational disadvantage through evidence-based interventions.

A Vision for the Future of Literacy

This research project marks a significant milestone in Northern Ireland’s efforts to enhance literacy and address educational disparities.

By harnessing AI technology and rigorous research methodologies, the study aims to provide actionable insights that will shape classroom practices and inform national literacy policy.

The findings, expected to be published following the study’s completion in 2026, could pave the way for broader adoption of AI tools in education, ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to develop strong reading skills and a lifelong love of learning.

For more information on the Reading with AI Research Project, including how schools can apply to participate, visit the Department of Education’s dedicated page.