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 so you can leverage the focus being put on reading this year. Our free learning platform has everything you need to take part, and it's never too late to join.
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.
A new learning platform
Start your journey with us
at any time
Join the 6,500+ schools and settings who have already signed up to our free learning management system. It has everything you need for the year in one place, allowing you to pick and choose which activities to take part in, and catch up on anything you might have missed. Through signing up, you will also have the chance to win a Participation Award, along with prizes for your school or setting.
What’s on offer
Three terms of activity. One national movement.
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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Spring term
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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Summer term
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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Autumn term
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.
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.
Explore free resources, activities and events.
no school library?
Help your school
build a library with
Libraries for Primaries
Primary schools across the UK without a library may be eligible to apply for 500 Free Books, Training, and Library Furniture.
Fundraising
Help raise money
for your school
Would you like to raise money for your school, boost vital literacy skills, and engage your students in a fun fundraising challenge?
This year, Go All In by running your own fundraiser – supporting both the National Year of Reading and your school, helping get everyone in the UK reading for pleasure.
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.