Reading sits at the heart of our mission to secure the very best outcomes for every pupil. As we continue to make meaningful progress towards our CAM30 strategy, we are committed to doing fewer things exceptionally well. This year, reading stands alongside attendance and raising standards as a central pillar of our Trust-wide pupil entitlement.
A culture of reading for pleasure
We encourage all children to read at home every evening—around 10 minutes in Key Stage 1, increasing to 20 minutes in Key Stage 2.
Reading for pleasure is any reading done primarily for enjoyment. It can include:
- Fiction and non-fiction
- Printed books, magazines or newspapers
- Digital texts, such as eBooks or online articles
What matters most is that pupils choose material they enjoy and engage with it regularly.
The benefits of reading
Reading is a skill that strengthens with practice. Its impact reaches far beyond literacy:
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- A richer vocabulary and greater articulacy
- Stronger access to curriculum content across all subjects
- Broader horizons and deeper cultural understanding
Research from the Institute of Education (University of London, 2013) shows that children who read for pleasure make significantly more progress not only in reading, but also in mathematics, vocabulary and spelling. Reading is one of the most powerful drivers of academic success.
Why reading matters
Our commitment to reading is rooted in a simple belief: strong literacy unlocks learning.
As part of our CAM30 journey, our professional networks and principals’ meetings are shaping a coherent, ambitious reading strategy that supports every learner—particularly those who need it most. This shared approach ensures that reading is embedded in every classroom, every subject, and every stage of a pupil’s journey through our Trust.
Our vision
We are building a Trust where:
- Every pupil sees themselves as a reader
- Every classroom champions literacy
- Every teacher is equipped to support reading
- Every family understands the value of daily reading
Together, we are creating a culture where reading is not just an expectation, but a joy.