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Reading for pleasure resources for schools

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Our latest Reading for pleasure research

Our latest research report, taken from our Annual Literacy Survey 2024 of more than 76,000 children and young people in the UK, recorded the lowest level of reading for pleasure and reading in children’s free time for nearly 20 years.

Read our reading for pleasure research report in full here

Our research also shows that reading enjoyment has fallen across all age groups, with those in secondary school reporting the steepest drops. Just 3 in 10 secondary pupils (30.7% aged 11-14 and 29.7% aged 14-16) currently say they enjoy reading in their free time, compared with half of primary pupils (51.9% aged 8-11).

The results show the scale and severity of the reading for pleasure crisis our nation’s children are currently facing – and the potential consequences for their confidence, mental wellbeing, reading skills and success at school.

Together, we can turn the page on the reading for pleasure crisis

We know that there are many factors, both academically and socially, which may impact or limit children’s free time as well as reasons why children and young people may choose not to pick up a book.

Therefore, it’s vital that young people are given agency and choice over the reading they do in their free time and that they are provided with opportunities to discover reading materials in the classroom to ignite their curiosity. There need to be opportunities to develop book choice too so that children and young people are also afforded space to choose what could be considered non-traditional options - whether that’s fact or fiction books, graphic novels or comics, reading material in print or on screen, or even audio content - if this will encourage and empower them to find enjoyment in reading.

So many schools, libraries, publishers, families, charities and businesses are already inspiring a love of reading for pleasure among children in many diverse and innovative ways, but to make it a national priority requires a collective effort.

How we are supporting teachers

We are committed to our continued support of teachers and practitioners in pursuit of our collective goal to empower all children with the skills they need to thrive.

We will be extending our reach, expanding our programmes and training, and strengthening our provision to support teachers to create lasting change in the classroom.

The impact of our Young Readers Programme

"By participating in the Young Readers Programme, our school has seen not only a rise in literacy but also a shift in the overall culture of learning. Students are more motivated, confident, and connected to their reading and writing journeys, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth."

Deborah Toussaint, acting assistant head and English lead at St Augustine’s C of E Primary School

Read the full story
YRP Whiteley

#GrowAGenerationOfReaders

Spark intrigue and curiosity in your classroom or library space when you download our Warning! stickers and add them to your pupils' books. We'd love to see your photos on social media too!

Find out more about our #GrowAGenerationOfReaders campaign and download the assets to make your own stickers.

Reading for pleasure resources

Discover high-quality reading for pleasure resources, expert-led CPD and training opportunities, and reading for pleasure programmes like our Young Readers Programme to help you embed a culture of reading enjoyment in the classroom.

See our full list of resources

Primary CPD and programmes

Secondary CPD

Additional reading for pleasure resources and blogs

Related research reports

Free and Premium resources