Build a Class of Readers with Teachers’ Reading Challenge 2025!
The Teachers’ Reading Challenge is back for 2025, launching today and running until 31 October. This transformative professional development initiative, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with The Open University and proudly supported by HarperCollins, invites educators across the UK to rediscover the power of children’s books.
Tackling the Reading Crisis Together
With 1 in 4 children aged 5-16 not reading for pleasure, the role of passionate, well-read educators has never been more crucial. Research by The Open University demonstrates that when teachers engage with reading aloud, facilitate independent reading time, encourage book talk, and create social reading environments, both enjoyment and attainment improve significantly.
What’s New for 2025?
This year’s challenge features new digital badges and enhanced website functionality, making it easier than ever for participants to track their progress and share their reading journey. There are lots of fresh new resources coming over the next few weeks, helping educators build stronger connections with contemporary children’s literature.
Who Can Join?
The challenge welcomes all education professionals:
- Student teachers looking to expand their children’s book repertoire
- Primary and secondary teachers seeking to spark classroom book talk
- Teaching assistants discovering new titles for small group work
- School librarians enriching their collections
- Senior leaders supporting whole-school reading strategies
- Returning participants ready to push their practice further
Building Reading Communities
Participants join a vibrant community of educators committed to championing reading in their schools. They set personal reading goals, access CPD-aligned resources, and share practical examples of how reading transforms classroom culture. The challenge creates opportunities for meaningful book discussions and peer recommendations that benefit entire school communities.
Getting Started
Registration is open at teachersreadingchallenge.org.uk. Schools are encouraged to promote whole-staff involvement, creating sign-up sheets in staffrooms, sharing book lists in meetings, and even asking students to suggest titles for their teachers to explore.
Everything changes when you read. The Teachers’ Reading Challenge 2025 offers educators the chance to experience that transformation firsthand while building the skills and enthusiasm needed to pass that love of reading on to every child in their care.
