National Year of Reading Launched to Revitalise Literacy Among Youth
In a bid to combat the sharp decline in reading for pleasure, the UK government, alongside the National Literacy Trust, has inaugurated the National Year of Reading. This initiative aims to inspire millions of children, families, and communities to rediscover the joys and benefits of reading.
Addressing a Decline in Reading Habits
The campaign, known as ‘Go All In’, is launching against a backdrop of concerning statistics. Recent data reveals that only one in three children aged 8 to 18 express enjoyment in reading during their free time, with teenage boys particularly affected. In 2025, just 25% of boys in this age group reported enjoying reading, compared to 39% of girls.
This initiative aims to unite various stakeholders—from families and educational institutions to libraries and local businesses—in a collective effort to rekindle the passion for reading. The campaign encourages everyone to spend time exploring subjects they love, whether it be through novels, e-books, comics, or blogs.
Prominent Voices in Support
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson formally launched the campaign at Emirates Stadium on January 13, 2026. She emphasised how interests such as sports could serve as gateways to developing a love for reading, potentially leading to future careers in various fields, including sports journalism and media production.
Messages from Advocates
Phillipson shared, “I want every child to feel the joy of reading and to recognise how it can unlock educational opportunities.” She encouraged families to allocate just ten minutes each day to shared reading, which she believes will build foundational literacy skills essential for children’s overall development.
Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, remarked that this initiative offers a transformative opportunity to enhance the UK’s relationship with reading and aims to inspire individuals to engage with their interests through reading.
Leah Williamson added, “The Go All In campaign is your chance to fully dive into your passions through reading.” She encouraged people to explore all forms of reading, stating, “If you’re into it, read into it.”
Addressing Literacy Disparities
The campaign highlights the urgent need to address persistent inequalities in literacy, as data shows a significant number of children leave primary school without achieving the expected reading age. This challenge disproportionately affects children from white working-class backgrounds and those with special educational needs.
To further bolster literacy efforts, the government has already set in motion several initiatives, including mandatory reading assessments for year 8 students to promptly identify those who need additional support.
Events and Community Engagement
The National Year of Reading promises a variety of events designed to engage all sections of society, from national storytelling weeks to community reading sessions. There are plans to recruit 100,000 volunteers to foster local literacy projects and create more opportunities for engagement, whether through organising reading events or assisting adults in improving their reading skills.
Comprehensive resources will be made available to families and educators to support this mission, ensuring that children have access to a diverse range of reading materials, which is essential for instilling a love for reading and improving prose skills.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/premier-league-and-literary-greats-back-national-year-of-reading
