Go All In with the National Year of Reading

2026 has been named the National Year of Reading which is an exciting moment for schools. Led by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with the Department for Education, the year-long Go All In campaign aims to inspire children, young people and communities to reconnect with reading by focusing on their hobbies and interests.

For schools, what better opportunity is there to shine a spotlight on reading for pleasure and help every child see themselves as brilliant readers? This year, we've given Purple Mash users an extra gift to help promote reading for pleasure in their schools: Purple Mash Library has been added, with no extra cost!

What is the National Year of Reading?

The National Year of Reading is a UK-wide initiative designed to get more people reading, more often. At its heart is the Go All In campaign, built around the message:

If you're into it, read into it.
- National Literacy Trust

The National Literacy Trust highlights that reading for pleasure among children and young people has been steadily declining, and recent research paints a stark picture. According to the Trust’s 2025 Annual Literacy Survey of nearly 115,000 young people aged 5-18, just 32.7% of 8-18‑year‑olds said they enjoy reading in their free time - the lowest level recorded in two decades. Even more concerning, only 18.7% reported reading something daily in their spare time. Both figures are at historic lows, showing how many pupils are choosing other activities over reading outside school. This makes initiatives like the Go All In campaign in the National Year of Reading 2026 so important.

Rather than presenting reading as something children have to do, Go All In focuses on reading as something that connects naturally to pupils’ interests - whether that’s sport, music, nature, gaming, food or real-world issues.

What can Schools Expect from the National Year of Reading?

2026 is going to be brimming with exciting events and resources across the internet and in person. The Go All In campaign has termly and monthly themes which gradually develop the initiative.

Spring Term: In the room

Classroom-specific activities that will help educators spark excitement for reading

Summer Term: In the setting

Growing a whole-school culture where reading is visible, valued and part of everyday life

Autumn Term: In the community

Expanding the reading culture beyond the school gates, working with families, libraries and local organisations

Schools and Early Years settings can download the Starter Toolkit for Spring Term which includes an Activity Calendar and PowerPoint Briefing to use with staff. You can also register for the Introduction Webinar on 15th January with Professor Teresa Cremin as the keynote speaker.

This term, you can also join one of our free webinars linked to reading:

• Introducing Purple Mash Library: 21st January at 4:00pm
• Preparing for a Book Day: 25th February at 4:00pm
• "Go All In" reading across the Curriculum with Purple Mash Library: 18th March at 4:00pm

Supporting Reading for Pleasure with Purple Mash Library

To celebrate the National Year of Reading, and to support schools in promoting reading for pleasure, we're thrilled to introduce Purple Mash Library - completely free for all Purple Mash subscribers! That's right, no extra cost, no hidden fees, just a whole world of reading ready to explore. And not just for 2026 either - Purple Mash Library is here to stay, giving users even more for their money.

With over 250 eBooks for KS1 and KS2, there's something for everyone. From thrilling adventures and magical tales to fascinating non-fiction, each book is designed to engage young readers. The library covers a huge variety of topics and interests, meaning there's always a story ready to grab a pupil's attention - perfect for helping them Go All In on reading.

Plus, the digital format means children can explore books anytime, anywhere, whether they're in the classroom, at home, or on a device during independent learning time, making it even easier for children to get hooked on reading. And the best part? Purple Mash schools don't need to spend a penny - everything is included in the subscription. It's our way of helping teachers inspire children, making reading for pleasure more accessible and exciting.

Books in the 2Simple Shop

Alongside the Purple Mash Library, the 2Simple Shop offers a range of print books that can support reading for pleasure across school.

Bringing Go All In into the Classroom: Practical Ideas for Teachers

Link reading to what pupils love

By this point in the year, teachers are already likely to know what many of their pupils are interested in. Recommend books that cater to these interests and broaden their knowledge on their passions - sport, animals, music, history, cooking... there's books out there for every interest. Purple Mash users now have the whole of the Purple Mash Library to explore, including the DK Learning non-fiction books!

Make reading visible

Think about how you can more prominently display reading in your classroom and school:

• Book recommendation displays
• Reading corners in all classrooms
• Staff sharing what they're currently reading
• Celebrating different types of reading - not just novels
• Display your class book from Purple Mash Library on the IWB in the morning and end of the day

Show that reading matters

Create space in your timetable for reading for pleasure to show that reading matters. Make it a fun time and think about how you like to read - not usually at a desk! Use beanbags, cushions and blankets so children can get comfy, and (if budget allows) provide a drink and snack. Some children might like to use headphones to allow them to read quietly too, and others might prefer to read eBooks (like the brilliant ones from Purple Mash Library!).

Get families involved

The Go All In campaign encourages reading beyond the classroom. Sharing book lists, digital texts or simple reading challenges can help build a joined-up approach between school and home. Why not invite parents or grandparents in for a reading session, or set up an adult book swap box at reception? Remind parents that they have home access to Purple Mash Library and let children choose from the wide selection of exciting stories.