We work to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the UK's poorest communities, where one in three people have literacy problems.
Because low literacy is intergenerational, we focus our work on families, young people and children.
We help to transform lives through literacy.
Our National Literacy Trust Hubs inspire and support children and families to improve their literacy skills
We share our analysis, promote best practice and offer programmes and resources for schools and early years settings. Find out how to become a member
Our Words for Life website provides advice, age milestones and free activities for parents and families
Our research underpins our programmes, campaigns and policy work and informs our identity as an organisation
Last year:
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall became our Patron in November 2010 and has a long standing interest in literacy and reading.
The National Literacy Trust is governed by our board of trustees, who come from a range of sector backgrounds.
We have a number of ambassadors who generously donate their time to support and raise awareness for our work.
We celebrated our 25th anniversary in 2018! Throughout the year we worked to demonstrate why the need to raise literacy levels in the UK is more pressing than ever with a series of research reports, fundraising efforts and exciting events.
Find out more about the people our work supports.
Success story
Helen’s baby, James, was born at 28 weeks old, weighing just 2lbs. We provided Helen with books and advice on reading to her premature baby while he was in...
Success story
Nine-year-old Tom took part in our Young Readers Programme at King’s Oak Primary School in New Malden, where he learnt ways to choose books he will...
Success story
Haydn, aged 15, was selected to take part in our Words for Work programme when he was in his final year at Bishop David Brown School in Woking.
