The Harris Group

By Emily, Head of Fundraising and External Relations

Across the UK, reading for pleasure is at its lowest level since 2005. 

At Harris, reading is more than a skill- it’s the foundation for confidence, curiosity and choice. For our students, we see every day that literacy opens to futures they shape for themselves. With 2026 officially declared as  the National Year of Reading(link), we welcome the spotlight on something we’ve championed for years: ensuring every student leaves school as a confident, lifelong reader.

Already across our 55 academies, reading isn’t just encouraged- it’s celebrated. Libraries brim with engaging, up-to-date titles. Students meet authors, join book clubs, and take part in storytelling sessions that make reading exciting and relevant. Our Federation-wide literacy strategy has earned national recognition, including awards for our work with Bedrock and Accelerated Reader- programmes that help students make rapid, secure progress.

“Many of us remember the book that first opened an endless world of ideas and imagination- a world that made reading for pleasure something we never wanted to stop. We want every student to have that same opportunity, especially those who may not have books at home or who – for whatever reason - might feel reading isn’t for them."
Rebecca Hickey, Secondary Director, Harris Federation

The impact of creating spaces where reading thrives is clear. At Harris Science Academy East London, a tired room became a vibrant library, sparking a culture of reading. At Harris Primary Croydon, working with the National Literacy Trust, we reimagined the library into a joyful, inclusive space that reshaped the school’s reading ethos.

This year, we’re building on those successes. Our vision is simple: every Harris student empowered by the confidence and opportunities that come from reading widely and well. And we know that takes a community- authors, educators, partners, alumni and friends who share our belief in the super power of books.

Rebecca says: 

"In our academies, we see barriers fall every day as students of all ages discover the joy of books. That’s why this work matters- and why the progress we could make this year is so exciting.”

Together, we can make this year count. If you’d like to learn more about our reading initiatives or explore ways to turbocharge the joy of reading for our students, we’d love to hear from you.

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