School book clubs with no reading pressure boost student engagement
A year-long trial across 17 UK school libraries tested a new approach to book clubs that removed reading expectations and focused on relaxed conversation. Between October 2024 and February 2025, over 400 students joined the Social Reading Spaces programme. Of those, 84% found it a worthwhile experience and 60% said they were more interested in books and reading afterward. At one school, 32 boys saw their reading ages climb by an average of 1 year and 3 months, compared with a five-month average growth in reading age for the year group. A free toolkit now helps other schools replicate the model.
Students who struggle with reading pressure can grow literacy skills through social connection rather than targets.
Source: New Social Reading Spaces Toolkit (sla.org.uk). Spotted via Reasons to be Cheerful.
Written by the HappyGood desk from the primary source linked above and checked against it. Every story links its source. Corrections: [email protected].
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