The State of Handwriting – Why It Still Matters

In an increasingly digital world, it’s easy to assume handwriting is becoming less relevant. Yet research consistently shows that the physical act of writing by hand continues to play a central role in learning, memory, literacy development and confidence. At Reachout Educational, we believe that handwriting is more than a neat presentation skill – it’s foundational to students’ ability to think, organise, and communicate effectively.

Has handwriting declined?

Evidence suggests that handwriting frequency and fluency are falling, particularly among older pupils:

• A survey from the National Literacy Trust (2023) revealed that only 28.7% of 8–18-year-olds say they enjoy writing in their free time, the lowest level recorded since the question was introduced.

• A study by YouGov (2022) found that while 80% of over-65s regularly use joined-up handwriting, only 46% of 18–24-year-olds do the same.

• Research from Cambridge Assessment (2020) notes that under exam pressure, some students’ handwriting becomes increasingly illegible, making it harder for markers to interpret their ideas.

The trend is clear: today’s students are writing less by hand, and when they do, the quality and speed often suffer.

Why handwriting still matters for learning

Handwriting is not simply about neatness; it is a cognitive process deeply linked to:

Skill	How handwriting supports it
Memory	Writing by hand activates areas of the brain linked to recall and comprehension.
Composition	Fluent handwriting frees up working memory to focus on ideas and structure.
Fine motor development	Repeated handwriting practice strengthens motor control and coordination.
Confidence	Students who struggle with legibility or speed may disengage from writing tasks.

A report by Cambridge Assessment found that students who write fluently and legibly are better able to manage writing load in exams, impacting outcomes across subjects.

Implications for secondary schools

In many secondary settings, pupils arrive with inconsistent handwriting habits. Some have already developed a fast but illegible note-taking style; others write very slowly, which affects their ability to complete work on time.

Without consistent reinforcement across subjects, pupils may quickly revert to inefficient or uncomfortable writing habits, especially if only addressed in short interventions.

Secondary staff can support handwriting by:

• Assessing handwriting early in Year 7

• Setting shared expectations for presentation

• Encouraging two handwriting styles: a clear, careful hand and a faster, legible note-taking hand

• Modelling good handwriting on whiteboards and in feedback

• Giving specific praise for visible improvement

The speed vs quality balance

As pupils face higher content demands, speed becomes critical. However, those who only ever write quickly often sacrifice legibility. Conversely, pupils who focus too much on neatness may be unable to complete tasks in time.

A helpful goal is developing two distinct but effective handwriting styles:

1. A slower, neat style for extended writing, exams and final drafts

2. A quicker yet still legible note-taking style for lessons and planning

Interventions such as pattern-based writing practice (e.g. “Speed Up” by Lois Addy) can support pupils in developing controlled fluency.

How Reachout Educational supports handwriting development

Whether you're working with younger pupils building formation or older students needing support with fluency and speed, we offer a wide range of handwriting-friendly tools and intervention materials.

Explore our full range of handwriting resources here: https://www.reachouteducational.co.uk/category/handwriting

Our selection includes:

• Letter formation guides

• Handwriting intervention packs

• Pattern practice worksheets

• Multi-sensory support tools

• Fine motor skill development aids

These are ideal for whole-class teaching, intervention groups or targeted 1:1 support.

Final thoughts

Handwriting is not obsolete – it is evolving. While keyboarding is important, handwriting remains a key learning tool, helping students organise thoughts, develop literacy, and succeed in assessments. The decline in handwriting fluency highlights a growing need for intentional practice and high-quality resources.

With the right support, every learner can build a confident and efficient handwriting style that supports both academic achievement and personal expression.

Explore our handwriting resources today and help your learners write with confidence.