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Programmes, Grants & Resources

At Bookmark, we partner with schools in disadvantaged communities to help more children become confident readers.

Our programmes, grants and resources are designed to support your school’s literacy goals, strengthen reading cultures and provide additional opportunities for children who need them most.

Become a partner school

Our programmes, grants & resources

Not every school’s needs are the same. That’s why we offer a range of programmes, grants and literacy resources to help schools improve reading outcomes and create positive reading experiences for children.

Whether you’re looking for one-to-one reading support, books and resources, family engagement opportunities or literacy-focused CPD, we offer a range of support to help your school foster a love of reading.

Explore our programmes

  • A reading volunteer supporting a child during a one‑to‑one reading session in a cosy, book‑filled space.

    Our One-to-one Reading Programme

    One-to-one reading with our volunteers

    • Reading support for children aged 5-11
    • One or two sessions a week, for 6-12 weeks
    • Access to our safe, online reading platform: Vedamo
    • Full safeguarding training and teacher support

  • Literacy Partner Programme

    Up to £10,000 of equipment and resources

    • The Story Corner magazine
    • 3x Rocket Packs per year
    • Resources and CPD including access to termly networking events
    • Book clubs
  • Children unpacking books from a cardboard box. The children are wearing green school uniform

    School Network Programme

    Our school alumni programme

    • The Story Corner magazine
    • 2x Rocket Packs per year
    • Resources and CPD including access to termly networking events
    • Family Engagement resources
  • A man sits between two young children, a girl and a boy. All three are holding up picture books

    Roots to Reading Programme

    A one-off programme in select areas, worth £2,000

    • The Story Corner magazine
    • Family Engagement resources
    • Resources and CPD including access to termly networking events
    • A 200-book bundle

  • Story Starter Programme

    Our annual Early Years Bundle

    • The Story Corner magazine (EYFS)
    • Rocket Packs (EYFS)
    • Family Engagement resources

Additional resources for schools

Alongside our core programmes, schools can access a range of resources designed to inspire reading both inside and outside the classroom.

Hear from our partner schools

From improving reading confidence and engagement to providing access to books, resources and literacy support, we’re helping schools build stronger reading cultures. Discover what teachers from our partner schools say about the difference our programmes make.

  • I would say this is the BEST reading programme we have ever participated in. It allows the valuable one-to-one time to read, which staff in schools struggle to find in school. The volunteers are amazing, and the children truly love their sessions.

    Teacher at a Bookmark partner school

  • I have seen a huge difference in the children’s attitudes around reading. They are now choosing their own texts in the classroom and are being far more vocal now that they consider themselves to be good readers. Most of our Year 3 pupils on the reading programme have made between four to five months' progress over the 12 weeks and two formerly disengaged boys have made 11 months and 16 months progress' respectively – it’s fantastic!

    Teacher at a Bookmark partner school

  • Even with a short programme, I have noticed that the children's willingness to read is huge. I can see they are picking up more books to read at the library during their reading time and choosing which authors they want, being more interactive and willing to read aloud to their teacher, and children that were reluctant readers reading extracts to whole classes/small groups.

    Teacher at a Bookmark partner school

  • It’s well laid out and well pitched to the age range. It is accessible to those even with poor reading ability – there’s something in the magazine for all pupils to enjoy.

    Teacher commenting on The Story Corner magazine

  • It was really nice to see them enjoy something that they don't normally have.

    Teacher at a Bookmark partner school commenting on the Comic Book Club resources

  • There is no way I could have afforded so many great quality books with my small English budget. Every single one I would have handpicked myself. Whoever made the selection really knows their stuff!

    Teacher at a Bookmark partner school commenting on the book pack selection

Become a One-to-one Reading Programme Partner School

Find out more about what’s involved and how you’ll be supported. 

Apply here