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National Reading Champions Quiz

NRCQ final 2024

Introducing the National Reading Champions Quiz

The National Reading Champions Quiz is an aspirational event that recognises and celebrates the book knowledge of more than 2,000 keen readers aged 10 to 14 each year.

23 regional heats are delivered across the whole of the UK and the winners of the heats go on to compete in an amazing grand final event in London where one team will be crowned National Reading Champions 2025.

The quiz is fortunate to benefit from the generous support of the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS).

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Take part in the National Reading Champions Quiz

  • Registration is open until 31 January but individual heats will close once fully booked
  • Regional heats take place from 27 February to 3 April
  • The majority of regional heats will take place online. However, some regions are running in-person events and you will need to plan accordingly
  • 25 teams are allowed to compete in each heat
  • Schools can book in one or two teams to their regional heat
  • Each team consists of four members
  • Participants should be aged between 10 to 14 years
  • The cost of entering is £25 per team
  • The grand final will take place on Wednesday 21 May in central London
For a detailed information pack on the quiz, please download this document.

Important information

Why not promote the quiz in school with posters and flyers or among your wider school community with this celebratory badge?

Ideas on how to celebrate your teams during the competition on social media, in the local press and even with your local MP will be coming soon!

Please note

It is vital you double check your correct regional heat area before booking your place. Please be aware that some regions have altered since last year's competition. If you are unsure then please get in touch.

All regions, dates and times can be found here

Sign up for the Quiz

Booking is open: bring out your readers and let them shine...it's time to book into the National Reading Champions Quiz 2025.

Book your team now!
NRCQ Final

Practice questions

The quiz suits students aged 10 to 14 years who already read eagerly and widely; there is no set reading list. Questions are based only on fiction titles and include books for ages 5+ up to, and including, some YA titles.

Each year we provide a selection of questions from previous years to give you and your students an idea about content, question types and structure.

Our pupils have cherished every moment of their experience of being part of the reading champions team. They have bonded over their love of books, become really good friends and were so, so excited to win their heat and get to the final.

Librarian, Harris Academy Sutton

Further advice

If you cannot find the answer to your query in the downloadable information pack, then please email NRCQ@literacytrust.org.uk

Terms and Conditions for your booking.

We look forward to meeting your teams in the upcoming National Reading Champions Quiz!

Why join the quiz?

  • Students

    Your star readers become part of a team, represent their school in a national competition and have a chance to really shine.

  • Reading

    Celebrates libraries and librarians, raises the profile of reading in school and encourages a wider reading community across the UK.

  • Fun!

    Brings enjoyment and drama (not to mention costumes and mascots!) to the wonderful world of reading with added excitement and support from quizmaster Mr Dilly.

  • Support

    The quiz is well organised and easy to attend with help available each step of the way.

I have taken part for three years now and each time, I've found it very fun and challenging. I think it's a great opportunity for those who don't particularly take part in sports-based things, etc. to be given a way to show that their skills are useful and valued.

Student, Year 9

Our partner

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National Literacy Trust Reading Champions is supported by ALCS.

Find out more about the National Reading Champions Quiz and Challenges.

Explore useful teaching resources developed by ALCS to support understanding and communication about copyright with guides for children, young people and teachers.

Watch this ALCS animation as a great starting point to helping your students understand copyright in a fun and interactive way. Karl Nova uses his voice and talent to bring the importance of copyright for writers and artists to life in this video from ALCS.