Nessy Apps Shine in a World-First Literacy Study

A new independent study (Finding the Needle in the Haystack: A Quality Appraisal of Mobile Applications for Foundational Literacy Skills by Dr Lisa Furlong et al. (2025)) has taken a hard look at the quality of phonics and phonological awareness apps used in early reading. Narrowed down from over 9,000 apps, the researchers evaluated 309 available tools using expert review and the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) to see which followed evidence-based reading instruction as well as sustained engagement.

 

Nessy performed exceptionally well. Two of the top three apps in the review were Nessy products - including the #1 ranked app overall. For literacy leaders and system-level decision‑makers who want confidence that their chosen tools align with structured, evidence-based practice, this is a strong signal.

 

Clear Findings for Schools Making Strategic Decisions

Out of 309 apps tested, Nessy claimed two out of the top three spots:

Rank	App	Expert Score	MARS Quality	Status
#1	Hairy Letters	5.00 / 5	4.35 / 5	Highly Recommended
#3	Chimp Fu Syllables	4.75 / 5	4.36 / 5	Highly Recommended

 

Two further Nessy apps reached the study's recommendation threshold. Across the full sample, only around a quarter of apps did so. For leaders selecting resources at scale, this is the kind of signal that helps cut through the crowded edtech market - to support making sustainable and impactful choices.

 

Dr Lisa Furlong, who led the study, said: “This world-first quality appraisal revealed how rare high-quality phonics and phonological awareness apps are - a distinction that underscores the value of evidence-aligned learning tools like those from Nessy, that support children’s early reading development.”

 

Why Nessy Stood Out in the Evaluation

The study assessed each app through two key lenses:

 

1. Instructional Quality

The expert team judged whether apps aligned with structured literacy principles for early reading instruction: clear modelling of sounds, explicit teaching, accurate phoneme production, and a logical, systematic teaching sequence.

 

Nessy apps scored well because they reflect these principles consistently. The approach mirrors what literacy leads expect to see in high-quality early reading provision - ensuring every child has a strong start.

 

2. Technical and Design Quality

The MARS ratings assessed engagement, usability, clarity, and overall design. All Nessy apps scored in the “good” range, showing they are not only pedagogically sound but also designed in a way that supports sustained use.

 

For MATs and LAs reviewing digital provision, this combination of instructional strength and solid user experience is important.

 

Nessy Online: Beyond Mobile Apps

Although this research focused on mobile apps, Nessy's wider online learning ecosystem follows the same structured literacy principles. This includes:

 

Hairy Reading — an online program that supports systematic, explicit phonics and early reading skills in a structured, easy‑to‑teach sequence

 

Nessy Reading & Spelling — a structured, cumulative programme that adapts to each learner. It supports decoding, spelling, vocabulary, and fluency through explicit teaching and guided practice. The system identifies gaps, adjusts to pupil pace, and provides clear reporting for teachers and leaders.

 

Writing Beach — a step-by-step writing programme covering grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, and extended writing. Lessons model the thinking process and provide scaffolded practice, helping teachers deliver consistent writing instruction across year groups.

 

Dyslexia Quest — an engaging screening tool that helps identify memory, processing, and phonological skills linked to dyslexia. Results guide teachers toward appropriate intervention and support, strengthening early identification pathways across a school or trust.

 

Nessy Fingers — a typing tutor designed for young learners. It supports accuracy and fluency while reinforcing spelling patterns and keyboard familiarity, making it a helpful addition for learners who struggle with handwriting or require alternative ways to access the curriculum.

 

These programs give schools a consistent approach across early reading, intervention, and targeted support for struggling or neurodiverse learners. For system leaders planning coherent literacy pathways, the online suite offers structure, progression, and alignment with research-informed practice.

 

 

What This Means for Literacy Leaders, LAs, and MATs

1. Evidence-based tools are rare and worth backing

Only a small proportion of apps reviewed were recommended by experts. Nessy’s strong placement suggests a reliable match with current reading research that sustains engagement and reliably develops early literacy skills.

 

2. Quality varies widely across the market

This study highlights why schools need due diligence when choosing digital resources. Many apps appear engaging on the surface, but lack the instructional accuracy, sequencing, or phoneme modelling required to genuinely support early reading development. Leaders should be wary of tools that prioritise entertainment over pedagogy, as these can unintentionally reinforce guessing strategies, confuse learners, or slow progress.

 

3. Nessy provides both alignment and consistency

For trusts looking to streamline literacy provision across multiple schools, Nessy offers:

• A shared structured literacy framework
• Consistent modelling of phonemes
• Resources suitable for whole-class teaching and intervention
• Tools that work well for pupils with additional needs

 

4. Independent evaluation supports confident procurement

Having a third-party appraisal gives LAs and MATs an additional layer of assurance when making investment decisions. Independent evaluation reduces the risk often associated with edtech procurement, helping leaders distinguish between products that merely look appealing and those that genuinely align with research-based practice. It also supports transparent decision-making at trust and local authority level, offering evidence that can be shared with governors, finance teams, and school improvement partners to justify investment.

 

 

Final Thoughts for Education Leaders

Digital tools should never replace skilled teaching, but they can strengthen the curriculum when they follow the science of reading. The Furlong et al. (2025) study provides solid evidence that Nessy’s approach is both research-aligned and well-designed.

 

For literacy leads building coherent, trust-wide strategies - or LAs advising schools on effective early reading tools - this study offers a clear indication that Nessy is a strong, dependable choice.

 

Try Nessy Free for 60 Days - And See the Quality for Yourself

For schools and trusts exploring how Nessy could fit into their literacy strategy, a free 60-day trial is available. It’s an easy way for leaders to see the structured approach in action, understand how it supports targeted intervention, and gather feedback from staff and pupils before making any long-term decisions.

 

This study is also a reminder of what ILT looks for when bringing products into the family: evidence, quality, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for all learners. Nessy sits alongside other trusted ILT products that meet this standard:

 

Polylino — multilingual, high-quality digital books for early years and primary: https://polylino.co.uk

 

Giglets — a rich online reading platform that builds comprehension, fluency, and engagement: https://www.giglets.com

 

Aski Raski — a structured literacy programme for older struggling readers and newcomers to English: https://www.askiraski.co.uk

 

Together, these tools reflect ILT Education’s ongoing commitment to supporting schools with research-aligned, classroom-tested resources that make a real difference for children.