development

The National Year of Reading 2026: Go All In!

Reading for pleasure is at its lowest level in two decades, with only one in three children reporting they enjoy reading in their spare time. It’s time to change the narrative.

The Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust have launched the National Year of Reading 2026—a nationwide movement to put the joy of books back at the heart of our schools.

Information about national events and resources for schools can be accessed here:

What's On For Schools | National Year Of Reading 2026 | National Literacy Trust

Our goal at the GLP is to support schools as teachers champion reading as the foundation for success. By embedding meaningful book experiences into daily practice, we know that we:

  • Inspire curiosity through diverse voices.

  • Strengthen early language and wellbeing.

  • Build confident, joyful readers for life.

Alongside the national programme we are planning a variety of GLP events to inspire and support our schools and school leaders.

Summer 26

GLP conference 3rd July –targeted at DHTs and AHTs with a focus on inspirational reading in schools.

Autumn 26

Royal Greenwich Book Award: This aims to engage reluctant readers in our schools to read and vote for their favourite books, across 4 age ranges. Nomination of books to create the long list is underway and we aim to have an award event in Late Autumn 2026.

Online webinar:  19th November 9.00am to 11.00am. Mary Myatt. Texts to promote learning across all key stages.

Ongoing:

Subject leader and phase leader networks: exploring best practice to engage more readers in and outside of school, and to share ideas and develop effective strategies across RBG schools.

Annual 500 words competition and Poetry competitions