Children’s enjoyment of reading has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years, with just one in three choosing to read for pleasure, according to a Bedford-based charity that is now taking on the challenge to turn the page on what they say is a worrying trend.
Schoolreaders, the UK’s largest in-school child literacy charity, has pledged to deliver 1.5 million one-to-one reading sessions in primary schools across England by the end of 2026, a 50 per cent increase on last year’s record-breaking total.
The charity says the move is part of its mission to help more children improve their reading confidence and rediscover the joy of books, supporting the Government’s forthcoming National Year of Reading in 2026.
With more than 3,500 volunteers currently helping 35,000 pupils each week, Schoolreaders provides one-to-one reading time for children who might otherwise fall behind.
Sally Wrampling, CEO of Schoolreaders, said: “Reaching one million reading sessions in a single academic year is already an extraordinary achievement. Reaching 1.5 million in the coming year is an ambitious goal, but one that our incredible volunteers make possible.
“This one-to-one time is something many children sadly don’t have at home. Thousands of schools and their pupils still need that extra support.
“To achieve this, we will work more closely than ever with our partners, funders and corporate supporters, so we can reach even more children who need us most.”
Reading that changes lives
One of those volunteers is Carolyn Jones, a retired Family Court Judge from Bedford. For the past three years, she has visited her local primary school every week, listening to children in Years 1 and 2 read aloud for ten minutes at a time.
“In my career, I often had to sit behind children and young people in dreadful situations,” Carolyn said. “Many families I worked with had a disadvantaged background, often including poor literacy not only among children but their parents too.
“Now, it’s wonderful to sit beside children instead, helping them to learn a skill that can change their lives. At the start of the year, some are almost rigid with shyness, but over time, you see them open up, smile more, and gain confidence.
“Watching them discover the joy of books is the most rewarding part.”
Silence to storytelling
One of the children Carolyn supported is Aleksander, who arrived in the UK from Ukraine speaking very little English. Starting school in a new country was daunting, but his weekly reading sessions helped him find his voice.
“At first, Aleksander would barely speak,” Carolyn recalled. “He was shy and hesitant, often looking to others for help with every word. But he was determined. Week by week, his vocabulary grew, and with it, his confidence.”
Aleksander’s progress soon extended beyond the classroom. “When I came to the UK, I spoke very little English, so it was hard for me to answer questions,” he said. “But reading with Miss Jones helped me a lot.”
He now speaks fluent English, takes part in class discussions, and even interprets for his mother at school meetings. He also reads with his younger sister, who is now thriving in her own literacy lessons.
“Seeing Aleksander’s progress has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time as a volunteer,” said Carolyn. “It shows what can happen when a child is given time, patience and a love of reading.”
Building a nation of readers
Founded in Bedford in 2013, Schoolreaders has grown to become the largest in-school child literacy charity in England. It focuses on helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds, for whom literacy can transform life chances.
Founder and Chair of Trustees, Jane Whitbread, said: “When we began Schoolreaders, our vision was simple: no child should leave primary school unable to read well.
“One million sessions in a single year is a milestone to be proud of, but it’s only the beginning. We want to go further to support the National Year of Reading and encourage lifelong habits that give every child the best start.”
Each year, only one in ten disadvantaged children who leave primary school below the expected reading level go on to pass English and Maths at GCSE. Reading for pleasure remains the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than family income or background.
Schoolreaders says its mission is to ensure that every child has the chance to enjoy reading, build confidence and unlock opportunities that will last a lifetime.
To support the Schoolreaders Pledge or become a volunteer during the National Year of Reading, visit schoolreaders.org/national-year-of-reading.
