Schoolreaders Joins No.10 Launch of National Year of Reading 2026

Schoolreaders Founder Jane Whitbread stands outside Number 10. Downing Street

We’re thrilled to share that Schoolreaders was invited to 10 Downing Street earlier this week for the official launch of the National Year of Reading 2026 - a bold, nationwide campaign to reignite a love of reading across the nation.

Our Founder and Chair of Trustees, Jane Whitbread, represented Schoolreaders at this event, which brought together key literacy organisations, government leaders and authors to champion a shared mission: to help every child discover the joy of reading.

With one in four children currently leaving primary school unable to read at the expected standard – a number that rises further in disadvantaged areas – this campaign couldn’t come at a more crucial time.

Launched by the Department for Education in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, this in a once in a generation campaign will unite schools, libraries, and communities to build stronger reading habits and encourage more reading for pleasure.

At Schoolreaders, we know that regular reading with a trusted adult can transform a child’s confidence and open doors to a brighter future. That’s why we’re proud to support this national mission.

Every week, our network of over 3,500 volunteers provides one-to-one reading support to 35,000 primary school children across the country – helping to ensure no child is left behind.

We were especially delighted to mark this momentous occasion by announcing new support from The Julia Rausing Trust, who have awarded Schoolreaders a £100,000 a year grant for the next three years. This generous funding will allow us to expand our reach, particularly in schools serving communities where literacy support is needed most.

Jane Whitbread shared her reflections after attending the Downing Street event:

“It was incredibly inspiring to stand alongside so many dedicated individuals and organisations united by a shared passion for helping children’s literacy. Reading for pleasure is a gateway to opportunity. We are thrilled to play our part in this campaign and are immensely grateful to The Julia Rausing Trust for their generous support.”

Our CEO, Sally Wrampling, added:

“At Schoolreaders, we see firsthand the life-changing impact that one-to-one reading support can have on a child’s confidence and love of reading. The National Year of Reading 2026 is a powerful opportunity to put reading for pleasure at the heart of childhood again.”

Reading for pleasure is linked to better writing, greater confidence, improved wellbeing and even future earnings. That’s why our mission remains clear: to provide every primary school child with the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of reading through regular, one-to-one reading sessions with a dedicated volunteer.

We’re proud to stand alongside other brilliant literacy organisations – including The Reading Agency, BookTrust, The School Library Association, Coram Beanstalk and many more to support this urgent and exciting national effort.

Stay tuned for more news as we head into 2026!