Reading Reboot is a fully funded reading engagement programme open to all state-funded secondary schools in London, the West Midlands and the North East.

Building on a proven model piloted in 2024, the programme will provide participating schools with books, resources and training to enable school librarians to run relaxed, social reading sessions for groups of 6-8 students. The sessions are designed to provide disengaged readers in Year 8 with the opportunity to explore, discuss and enjoy books in a pressure-free setting.

Participating schools will be supported to deliver 10-week social reading clubs for two groups of students each term. Resources include:

• 100+ new books curated from a wide range of publishers.
• Funding to create a relaxed and welcoming space.
• Training and guidance notes to support school librarians in promoting a social reading environment.
• Opportunities for author interaction.
• Ongoing support from the School Library Association.

The programme will run for three years and will enable 100 secondary schools to deliver 1000 social reading sessions to over 6000 young people.

Timeline:

• Schools can register their interest to receive more information about the programme.
• Applications will open in May 2026. Priority will be given to schools with high levels of FSM.
• Successful schools will be informed in early July.
• The programme will start in September 2026.

Cost: Free. Reading Reboot is funded by Charlotte Aitken Trust.

About the School Library Association: The School Library Association (SLA) is an independent charity and membership organisation that believes every pupil is entitled to effective school library provision. The SLA supports all those responsible for school libraries through advice, training and advocacy.