Schools
Inspire a love of reading in every classroom
The National Year of Reading 2026 will empower teachers and practitioners with creative ways to make reading part of everyday learning, not another thing to add to the list.
Schools sit at the very heart of bringing the campaign to life. These pages are packed with resources and ideas that will let you leverage the focus being put on reading across 2026.
Together, we can build confident, curious readers in every classroom, school library and early years setting across the UK.
About the campaign
A year to reimagine reading. Together.
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Start with what young people love
The National Year of Reading helps schools use pupils’ passions – football, music, gaming, nature, fashion, anything – as the spark that brings reading to life. When children see that reading connects to who they are and what they care about, motivation follows naturally.
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Reading doesn’t just mean books
It includes stories, ideas and information in print, digital and audio – from graphic novels and lyrics to articles, podcasts and games. We’ll help you make all of it feel valid and valued, so every child can find their own way in.
What’s on offer
Three terms of activity. One national movement.
Kicking off in January, the National Year of Reading runs throughout 2026, with each term offering new ways to take part.
From launch events to classroom activities, online webinars and partner resources, every stage is linked to the education pathways: Early Years, Primary and Secondary.
That means it’s easy to find what’s relevant for your setting, and to adapt ideas to fit your classroom and timetable.
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In the room
Kick off the campaign with launch events, Go All In Together moments, and classroom-facing activities that will help practitioners spark excitement for reading.
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In the setting
Grow a whole-school culture where reading is visible, valued and part of everyday life – so every child sees reading modelled and celebrated around them.
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In the community
Take reading beyond the school gates. Work with families, public libraries and local organisations to grow a reading culture everyone can be part of.
Go All In Participation Award™
Celebrate your school’s commitment to reading
The Schools Participation Award celebrates the creative ways schools are bringing the National Year of Reading 2026 to life.
It’s designed to recognise impactful approaches that make reading part of everyday learning in schools – through classroom activities, online webinars and partner resources.
Register through our learning platform to find everything you need: criteria, guidance, templates and quick ways to log your school’s activity throughout the year, complemented by a range of impactful programmes delivered by partners.
Resources
Everything you need to take part
We’ve gathered the best tools, guides and free resources to help you plan, deliver and celebrate reading across the school year. Whether you’re leading literacy or looking for ready-to-use classroom ideas, everything you need to Go All In is here.
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Starter toolkit
Download your National Year of Reading calendar and briefing presentation to ensure your school or setting is ready for 2026.
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Introductory webinar for all phases
Attend our all-phase launch webinar featuring keynote speaker Professor Teresa Cremin.
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Early Years webinar
The first instalment in a series of termly professional development webinars for early years settings.
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Primary Webinar
The first instalment in a series of twice-termly primary professional development webinars
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Secondary webinar
Join us for our exclusive in March to explore how to find routes into reading and validate teenage reading experiences.
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National Storytelling Week
Sign up for the first Go All In Together events, bringing together thousands to celebrate the power of sharing stories
no school library?
Help your school
build a library with
Libraries for Primaries
Primaries school across the UK without a library may be eligible to apply for 500 Free Books, Training, and Library Furniture.
2026 highlights
Key reading moments to help you Go All In
These national events make it easy to get involved and ride the wave of increased attention on reading. Plan ahead and get your students involved.
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2–8 February
National Storytelling Week
A joyful celebration of the power of sharing stories. This year's theme for schools is 'Soundtrack your Story’
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5 March
World Book Day
The reading for fun charity, World Book Day inspires children everywhere to enjoy the life-changing benefits of reading for fun.
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23 April
World Book Night
On the UNESCO International Day of the Book, a celebration of reading for adults. Pick up one of this year's Quick Reads.
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1–7 June
Volunteers Week
A week-long celebration and recognition of the incredible impact of volunteering in communities, schools and libraries.
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July–September
Summer Reading Challenge
Partnering with Universal Music Group UK, this year's challenge is themed 'Read to the Beat!'
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10 October
Take 10 to Read
On World Mental Health Day, take 10 minutes to read to relax, boost your mood or escape for a moment.
Events Calendar
A busy year of reading events for schools to enjoy
The National Year of Reading 2026 will unfold across the school year, packed with opportunities to get students involved.