SCHOOLS have hailed a charity for helping pupils to become better learners.

More than 100 primary schools were invited to respond to ARCh’s annual survey, giving feedback about its services.

The organisation provides one-to-one assistance from trained volunteer readers, to aid pupils' reading and wider learning.

Elaine Adams, development manager of the Bicester-based charity, said: "Schools reported that 98 per cent of pupils who participated in our assisted reading scheme in 2018 showed a marked improvement in reading performance, self-esteem and self-confidence.

"The findings are a fantastic reward for the work of our army of volunteer reading helpers, who regularly mentor more than 700 Oxfordshire schoolchildren between the ages of six and 11."

The survey was conducted in association with Research Oxford Ltd.