Why Should I Be a Reader?
Reading Enjoyment: In 2025, only 32.7% of children and young people aged 8 to 18 reported enjoying reading, marking the lowest level since 2005. This represents a 36% decrease in reading enjoyment since the survey began.
Daily Reading Habits: Just 18.7% of children and young people in the same age group stated that they read daily, which is also the lowest recorded level since 2005. This indicates a significant drop in daily reading habits, particularly among primary-aged children and boys.
Impact of Socio-Economic Factors: The statistics show disparities based on socio-economic status. For instance, 12.4% of children receiving free school meals reported not having a book of their own, compared to 8.0% of their peers who do not receive free meals.
Gender Disparities: Girls continue to read daily at higher rates than boys, with a widening gender gap in reading enjoyment. In 2025, the gap reached 6.2 percentage points, the largest seen since 2023.
The Importance of Reading
- Improved reading and spelling ages
- Developed understanding of the world
- Enhanced communication skills- careers
- Confidence around school
- Better vocabulary
- Enhanced progress in school
Want to Challenge Yourself?
- Take part in our Reading Bingo and Parkside Celebrates events!
- Be a literacy leader- see Miss Hewitt for more information on how you can become a Parkside Academy Literacy Leader where you can support younger students with their communication skills
- Take part in our Young Writer’s events: Young Writers Competition
- Read and take part in our English Newsletter
