The East Sussex school where reading tops the Christmas list

At The Baird Primary Academy in Hastings, teachers work hard to make reading fun, accessible and something to look forward to.

With some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, teachers in the town say the impact on children extends beyond benefits to their academic learning.

Amy Hudson, from the school, said reading transformed pupils’ confidence and curiosity, adding: “The children have better vocabulary, they engage with one another better and their social skills improve.”

She added: “They empathise more because they learn about characters, different countries and places. It helps develop the whole child.”

But while the school is working to help children fall in love with literature, figures from the National Literacy Trust show that fewer children and teenagers than ever are reading for pleasure.

In the South East, the proportion of young people who pick up a book for fun is about 2% lower than the national average.

Jason Vit, from the National Literacy Trust, said the decline was worrying, adding: “If you read for pleasure, you’re more likely to reach expected reading levels, get better qualifications and be in employment throughout your life.

“It affects your health as well as your happiness.”

He said every form of reading counted – whether that was books, audiobooks, digital stories, song lyrics or TV subtitles.

“All reading is reading, and we should celebrate it,” Mr Vit added.

The trust is calling for the government to build more protected reading time into the national curriculum.

Award-winning children and young adult author Sarah Crossan said the UK should follow Australia’s lead and consider a social media and YouTube ban for under-16s.

“These devices are designed to be addictive. Wishing your child would read more is a fantasy unless we give them the tools to step away from screens,” she said.

“The right book is out there waiting to find you.”

The Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust have declared 2026 a National Year of Reading.

They say it is up to everyone to show that reading matters, deserves time – and above all, that reading is fun.