The $36.1 million boost to reading enthusiasm

According to a survey from the National Literacy Trust, the proportion of children who enjoy reading has increased for the first time in five years. The survey found that 36.1 per cent of children aged eight to 18 said they enjoyed reading very much or quite a lot this year, compared with 32.7 per cent last year.

The National Literacy Trust's annual survey has been tracking children's reading habits for two decades, covering 125,000 children aged five upwards. The latest findings suggest that children are becoming more enthusiastic about reading for fun, with over a third (36.1 per cent) saying they enjoyed reading very much or quite a lot this year.

A long-term trend of decline

Reading enjoyment has been in decline since 2021, with fewer children reporting liking reading every year since then. Last year's figure was the lowest in 20 years, and was almost half the proportion recorded in 2016, when a record 58.6 per cent said they liked reading.

Previous research from the Trust has suggested that the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 impacted on children's literacy, especially among those who did not have access to books at home. Separate studies have shown that children need to read every day to improve their skills.

Boys still lag behind girls

The survey also found that boys still lagged behind girls in terms of reading enjoyment, part of a long-term trend.. Children aged five to eight were the only group to see a decline in their reading enjoyment, from 62.6 per cent to 61.6 per cent.

A fifth of children read daily

The survey also found that a fifth (20.3 per cent) of children read daily in their free time, up from 18.7 per cent in 2025.. This increaase in daily reading is a postive sign, but experts warn that reading engagement remains far too low.

Labour MP Helen Hayes responds

Labour MP Helen Hayes, chairman of the Education Committee, said: 'It is a real cause for concern that the number of children reading for fun is currently at such critically low levels.' She added that 'we still need to do much more to encourage children to read for enjoyment, particularly younger children, boys of all ages, teenagers and disadvantaged children.'

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson's response

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'When reading feels relevant and role models get involved, children develop a passion with benefits that go far beyond the classroom - but with progress slower for poorer children, we must make sure every child can find a form of reading that speaks to them.'