Boost Reading for Pleasure in Your School by Taking Part in New Research Trial 

Are you looking for ways to boost ‘Reading for Pleasure’ at your school?

Farshore and HarperCollins Children’s Books are collaborating with The School Library Association on a new research trial which explores the extent to which social reading environments impact on students’ enjoyment of reading and motivation to read independently. 

Schools selected to take part in the trial will receive the following research incentives:

• 200 free children’s books from Farshore Books, HarperCollins Children’s Books and Barrington Stoke, worth approximately £1,700;
• A £100 Amazon voucher to spend on accessories for your ‘social reading space’ in the school library;
• A personalised letter from a well-known children’s author every week. 

The trial involves running weekly book group discussions in the school library with small groups of reluctant readers (children who can read but choose not to) in Year 8 from the October half term, to February half term. Feedback will be collected through pre and post trial questionnaires for students and staff involved in the project, and post trial focus groups. 

Students will remain anonymous throughout the trial, and no students or schools will be named in the report.  

We’re looking for schools who have identified ‘Reading for Pleasure’ as a priority but aren’t currently running book groups or clubs for students. To be eligible, schools must have a library, and dedicated library staff who will run the book groups. 

To find out more, download the trial information sheet here.

 This trial has now closed. For information about future projects sign up for our newsletter.

Applications close at the end of July, and we’ll contact you at the end of August to say whether your school has been short listed and to explain the details of participation.