Book Clubs in Schools

Resource type: Book club

Price band: Free

Key stage: KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

Region(s): All of UK

Book Clubs in Schools provides resources and support to enable primary and secondary schools to run peer-led book clubs to promote reading for pleasure and help students develop critical thinking, communication and social skills.

The programme trains older Book Club Leaders to lead positive, constructive discussions with groups of younger Book Clubbers using the book club guides provided. Participating schools receive a package of support that includes:

Online training and materials for Book Club Leaders.
A curated selection of over 70 contemporary and diverse Book Club titles to cover all reading interests.
A structured programme of questions and activities for each book to help readers think critically and develop their own personal response.
Online events and activities with authors.
Self-evaluation questionnaires to assess impact.
Posters and certificates for Leaders and Book Clubbers.

Cost: Training and resources are free from 1st Jan – 31st Dec 2026. Books need to be purchased separately but funding is available for schools with over 40% Pupil Premium pupils.

About Book Clubs in Schools: Book Clubs in Schools was founded in 2014 by Beth Ginsburg and Alison Palmer with the aim of strengthening pupils’ engagement in reading and improving their communication skills, particularly for those at a socio-economic disadvantage. It has been a charity since 2019.

Literacy Hive Likes:

Three new, headline titles, available to buy at a discount, will be added to the programme every term during the National Year of Reading.
The programme is designed to be flexible, scaleable and straightforward for schools to implement.
In the latest Book Clubs in Schools impact report, over half of Book Clubbers reported that they enjoyed reading more, 62% felt more confident about speaking and 67% were more interested in what others had to say, while 90% of Leaders felt more confident about leading as a result of participating and 81% had learnt to be more inclusive.
Schools and teachers report an increase in participation and motivation in class, as well as a stronger sense of community and belonging amongst pupils.
Book Clubs in Schools also runs the Picture Book Club for primary pupils and the Summer Book Club for new Year 7 pupils transitioning into secondary school.