In response to a nationwide 20-year decline in reading and initially sparked by a parent's request for book recommendations, the English department at Hinchingbrooke School launched a comprehensive whole-school initiative to enhance reading diversity, engagement, and accessibility.
The department restructured its English curriculum across all Key Stages, introducing diverse texts and alternative provision qualifications alongside GCSEs. These changes yielded significant academic success, including achieving Alps 1 in Literature and Language at Key Stage 5 and boosting numbers against national trends. Departmental enrichment efforts included affordable theatre trips and a new "Book to Film" club.
Recognising the broader impact of literacy on students' futures, the department expanded its efforts school-wide by introducing two pastoral programmes: HBKTalks, an oracy programme to build confidence, and a daily Guided Reading programme where tutor groups read together. Professional development was prioritised to foster a culture of "teachers who read, readers who teach," supported by The PTI's training and participation in the UKLA National Book Awards as a judging school. Celebrations like World Book Day engaged all 2,400 students through library events and a collaboratively written school story. Through these ambitious efforts, the school community has successfully embraced and championed daily literacy habits.