A FAST-GROWING business has broken into the Welsh market just days after its unique teaching programme was hailed a success in San Francisco.

Sound Training, of Middlesbrough, won praise from Welsh National Assembly member Alun Davies after its literacy programme saw 40 pupils at Brynmawr Foundation School in Blaenau-Gwent increase their reading age by two and a half years in just six one hour sessions.

Mr Davies, MP for Blaenau-Gwent, said: “The pupil’s achievements are outstanding. The results have clearly demonstrated how taking this fast, focused and fun approach to learning can make a real difference to pupils, which undoubtedly improves their lifelong skills in literacy.”

Robert Bradley, assistant head, said: "We’ll be using it with all year groups, especially vulnerable pupils who are in danger of not reaching their potential. We’re aiming to put 200 pupils through Sound Training by July."

Meanwhile, founding director Katy Parkinson spent a week in America – supported by UK Trade and Investment – training teachers to introduce the scheme at San Francisco’s Leadership High School and also held a literacy workshop and demonstration lesson for US education professionals.

Launched in 2011, Sound Training now employs 11 full-time staff and 80 teachers across England and Wales where it is used in 300 schools.

The US pilot followed an initial visit to Denver by chief executive Claire Preston in September 2013, which generated transatlantic interest in the scheme. She said: "This has been an amazing 18 months for Sound Training – and quite an incredible couple of weeks.

"We have an amazing product here, with immense potential. I cannot understate the impact this can have on children’s lives. The geography may vary, but the same issues need addressing where literacy is concerned."