Inspiring the next generation of readers at Bellfield Primary School with Dawn Marriott

Recently, we were delighted to celebrate the opening of a brand-new outdoor reading space supplied with books at Bellfield Primary School – generously funded by alumna Dawn Marriott.

Returning to her former primary school years later, Dawn, Executive Chair at Hg and Bookmark Corporate Partnerships Board member, was welcomed by pupils and staff as she officially opened the space. What followed was a joyful morning of reflection, inspiration and excitement as pupils explored their reading area for the very first time.

Joining Dawn was our Founder and Patron, Sharon Pinder. Together, they saw firsthand how a dedicated and welcoming reading environment can spark curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of reading.

Dawn’s story: from Bellfield pupil to reading advocate

For Dawn, Bellfield holds a special place in her heart.

As a pupil, the school library became her ​“safe space,” somewhere she could escape into stories, fuel her imagination and discover a love of reading that would stay with her throughout her life. Dawn went to school in a disadvantaged area where she developed a firsthand appreciation of how vital reading is – not just for academic success, but for life.

Today, Dawn has built a hugely successful career in Private Equity. Alongside her professional achievements, she is a member of Bookmark’s Corporate Partnerships Board, where she uses her experience and insights to further our impact.

As Dawn told pupils on the day, ​“Not only does reading help you live a happier, better life, it’s such an important life skill that everyone deserves the chance to learn.”

A day of reflection, inspiration and celebration

The day began with Dawn revisiting the classrooms and corridors she once knew so well. As she toured the school, she reflected on the teachers who encouraged and supported her during her time at Bellfield.

The visit was a powerful reminder of how lasting a teacher’s impact can be – and how a love of reading can begin with the right encouragement at the right moment.

We then had the opportunity to meet Bellfield’s Pupil Parliament, their elected student council who came prepared with thoughtful questions for both Dawn and Sharon about reading and their careers. It was inspiring to hear the pupils speak so confidently about what reading means to them:

Their words were a powerful reminder of why spaces like this matter – not just as physical environments, but as places where confidence and curiosity can grow.

Finally, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for. Gathered around the new outdoor reading space, pupils watched as Dawn cut the ribbon and officially opened the area.

The reaction was immediate and heartwarming: the children excitedly opened their new books, settled into the cosy space and started exploring stories together.

Deputy Headteacher, Claire du Toit, shared what the space means for the whole school:

Inspiring a love of reading in the next generation

Reflecting on the day, Dawn shared how meaningful it was to return to Bellfield and create opportunities for children to discover the same joy, confidence and sense of possibility that reading gave her:

“It’s really heartwarming to be back here today. Being able to put something back into Bellfield, to acknowledge the happy years, the teachers who looked after me and shaped who I am is a truly wonderful experience.”

At Bookmark, we want every child to read and spaces like this play an important role in making that happen. We are incredibly grateful to Dawn for her generosity and continued to support of our work. Thanks to her, pupils at her former school have a place to read, imagine and grow – inspiring the next generation of readers at Bellfield and beyond.