Reading with AI Research Project in Northern Ireland

“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.”

Paul Givan, Education Minister, Northern Ireland

Who to contact?

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

• What is the 'Reading with AI in Northern Ireland' project?

  The 'Reading with AI' Research Project is a major study currently underway in Northern Ireland schools, evaluating the effectiveness of evidence-based AI-powered literacy tools in improving reading outcomes. It is a partnership between the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, Oxford Brookes University (led by Hamilton Brookes), and Amira Learning. There is more information on the Department of Education website here.

• Who is conducting the study?

  The research study is a partnership between the Department of Education, Oxford Brookes University and Hamilton Brookes, and Amira Learning.

  Oxford Brookes University is one of the UK’s leading research and teaching institutions - with a highly regarded teacher training and professional development offer.

  Hamilton Brookes is a trusted name in primary education, part of Oxford Brookes University- and is ideally placed to lead this work, delivering high quality training and curriculum-aligned support to schools.

  Amira Learning, used by over 4 million students globally, provides a research-backed AI reading tutor designed to improve literacy outcomes through real-time feedback and structured practice.

• Who is participating in the study?

  More than 15,000 pupils across P 3, 5, 7, and Y8 in Northern Ireland schools are involved. Schools across Northern Ireland were invited to participate, and selection was based on acceptance of the research design requirements.

• What AI tool is being used?

  The study uses Amira Learning, an AI-powered reading tutor. Amira listens to students read aloud, assesses their reading mastery, screens for challenges like dyslexia, and delivers personalised, one-on-one tutoring with micro-interventions aligned with the Science of Reading.

• What is the goal of the research?

  The primary goal is to gather robust evidence on how evidence-based AI literacy tools impact reading outcomes, particularly among pupils who are disadvantaged or have Special Educational Needs. The findings are intended to inform national literacy policy and support data-informed teaching in the classroom.

• How is the study structured?

  The study uses a matched-pair design. Pupils began with a baseline assessment. Over the course of the study, one group of pupils uses Amira Learning for frequent sessions (typically 30-45 minutes weekly), while a comparable control group follows standard classroom approaches. Control classes are not required to have three weekly sessions after their initial assessment.Control classes will have access to Amira Learning after the study ends, in April 2026.

• What is the 'Science of Reading'?

  The Science of Reading is a body of interdisciplinary research explaining how children learn to read. It emphasises systematic phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Amira's interventions and teacher training in the project are aligned with these evidence-based principles.

• Who is responsible for training and support?

  Teachers in participating schools receive face-to-face and online training from Oxford Brookes University (via Hamilton Brookes) to help them interpret Amira's detailed reports and implement targeted, evidence-based interventions.