Lydia Ridding and Sam Orciel, English Subject Advisors

Reading for pleasure among young people in the UK is at its lowest point in two decades. According to data from the National Literacy Trust: 

• only 1 in 3 children and young people aged 8 to 18 say they enjoy reading in their free time 
• only 1 in 5 say they read something daily in their free time. 

This decline matters: reading is strongly linked to mental wellbeing, academic success, and future life chances. 

That’s why the Department for Education, in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, has designated 2026 as the National Year of Reading. The campaign aims to change how we view reading and encourage people of all ages to “Go All In” and rediscover the joy of books. 

Teachers (particularly English teachers) can play an important role in reversing this trend. In this blog, we share five top tips to help you inspire your students to pick up a book and learn to love reading.

Leverage what they already love – and link it to their lives

Teenagers are more motivated to read when they can choose material that reflects their interests and feels relevant to their lives. Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that 38% of young people are drawn to books linked to their favourite films, TV series, or hobbies. Show students how reading connects to their world, whether it’s exploring themes that resonate with their lives or interests, reading about careers they aspire to, or tying books to current events. 

Remind students that they can pick from a diverse range of genres and formats, from graphic novels inspired by gaming worlds, to sports biographies, to contemporary young adult fiction. Encourage them to explore: they might discover something that excites them. If they don’t like a book, let them know it’s okay to stop and swap it for another. 

Experts agree that being able to find another option stops negative associations with reading.

Make reading an experience that’s right for your students

For some students, reading becomes more enjoyable when it’s social. Try organising book clubs, peer discussions, or “buddy reading” sessions where students can share stories with friends. This helps make reading feel less like a solitary activity and more like a community experience. 

Others may prefer reading as a calming escape. Create opportunities for silent reading in a relaxed environment. You could play some soft music or rearrange your classroom or library space to create smaller, cosier spaces. Making reading feel like a break rather than a chore can transform attitudes.

Start small

Long books can feel daunting, especially for reluctant teenagers. Suggest starting with short stories, novellas, or even engaging articles and blogs. Small steps can build confidence and lead to bigger reading goals.

Embrace the use of technology

Instead of competing with tech, use it to your advantage. Audiobooks, e-readers, and interactive reading apps can make reading accessible and fun. Gamified platforms that reward student understanding, for example, can help reluctant readers build confidence while enjoying the process.

Celebrate progress

Recognise and celebrate reading milestones: not just quantity, but variety and enthusiasm. Use reading logs, classroom displays or shout-outs during assemblies or newsletters to make achievements visible and valued.

Get involved in the National Year of Reading 2026

The National Year of Reading is a call to action for everyone in education. By making reading enjoyable, social, and relevant, teachers can help teenagers rediscover the magic of books – and unlock benefits that last a lifetime. 

Join the movement by visiting the National Year of Reading’s website to discover how your school or college can take part. 

Looking for reading recommendations? Our staff and teachers have been sharing their all-time favourite books on our social channels throughout January. Head over to see their picks and join the conversation – we’d love to hear your thoughts or your own favourites! 

And don’t forget, we’re always here to offer tips, guidance, and resources to help you engage your students. Feel free to email us at english@ocr.org.uk or call us on 01223 553998.

Together, we can make 2026 the year young people rediscover the joy of reading.

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About the authors

Prior to joining Cambridge OCR in June 2023, Lydia spent 20 years working in a range of sixth form colleges across the country, teaching A Level and GCSE qualifications in English. She was a coursework moderator with Cambridge OCR for a number of years and has an MA in Victorian Studies from Birkbeck University. 

Before joining Cambridge OCR in September 2022, Sam spent ten years teaching a range of English qualifications in secondary schools, including as a head of department. She did this alongside completing a MSt in Advanced Subject Teaching at the University of Cambridge, specialising in A Level English curricula and pedagogy.