From The Head - Friday 16th January 2026
This week we have launched our reading challenge for both this term and this year as we kickstart the National Year of Reading initiative.
The National Year of Reading is the biggest campaign in a generation designed to help more people discover or rediscover the joy of reading and make it part of their everyday lives. Reading expands our world and sharpens our minds, yet fewer people are making time to read.
Any regular newsletter readers will know that I frequently bang the drum for developing good reading habits, so national campaigns, such as this one, really help to bring the importance of reading to the forefront of our minds—reminding us that reading is not just an academic skill, but a lifelong pleasure that builds empathy, curiosity, creativity and confidence across all ages. On my way to work, I’ve been listening to Radio 4, which is involved in the campaign and has been featuring a well-known author each day discussing the book that either sparked or rekindled their love of reading. Hearing these authors talk so passionately about a book that means so much to them has been truly inspiring, and a powerful reminder of how immersive and rewarding a good book can be, evoking vivid experiences and lasting memories. The authors also read out their favourite passage and hearing them just makes you want to grab the book and start reading it. This morning it was Roddy Doyle reading from Just William - an old children's classic and a brilliant read - the memories came flooding back! The catchphrase for the challenge is 'Go All In' and at the heart of the campaign is a powerful proposition: if you’re into it, read into it. Whether it’s music, football, fashion, spending time with family or food, reading is positioned as the ultimate tool for diving deeper into the things that matter to you. As we have always stated in school, it doesn't matter what you read; pick up something that you enjoy of any description and just get going.
Having a love of reading and then being able to instil this in others is one of the best things you can have and do, and will bring a lifetime of enjoyment.
Have a lovely weekend and curl up with a good book!
Julia Langford
Headteacher