Roots to Reading Programme
We want every child to discover the joy of reading. Our Roots to Reading Programme (formerly Your Story Corner) supports primary schools to make this happen.
About Roots to Reading
Our Roots to Reading programme offers schools in specific areas the opportunity to develop a strong whole-school reading culture and embed reading for pleasure into the lives of their pupils.
Schools receive over £2,000 worth of high-quality books and reading resources, helping pupils discover the joy of reading while supporting literacy development and engagement. The packs include:
- 200 new, high-quality books suitable for children aged 4 – 11
- Exclusive access to Reading for Pleasure training, CPD and more
- Annual subscription to our children’s magazine, The Story Corner
- Posters, postcards, worksheets and a certificate to help encourage reading for pleasure
- Support and inspiration for ‘book chat’ to create a whole-school reading culture
How to apply
We are now accepting applications from state-funded primary schools in Liverpool City Council and Cheshire County Council (Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, Halton & Warrington). The deadline to apply is Friday the 23rd of October 2026.
Discover the schools we’ve supported
Discover the impact of Roots to Reading Programme in our partner school locations across England.
Read moreWhich primary schools can apply?
Our Roots to Reading Programme is available to eligible state-funded primary schools in selected areas. Priority is given to schools serving disadvantaged communities, helping ensure children who may have fewer opportunities to access books receive the support they need.
At present, this includes schools with Pupil Premium and Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) figures above the national average, along with Key Stage 2 reading attainment below the national average in 2 out of the last 3 years. If you are unsure whether your school meets this eligibility criteria, please get in touch by emailing school@bookmarkreading.org and we will be happy to help.
How we support schools in disadvantaged communities
Learn about our eligibility criteria and how we support schools in disadvantaged areas to boost literacy, aiming to reach 1,000 partners by 2027.
Read moreFrequently asked questions
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State-funded primary schools in eligible areas can apply. Schools must meet our funding and eligibility criteria.
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Eligible schools can receive programme support and resources fully funded through Bookmark and our partners.
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Schools receive over £2,000 worth of books, reading resources, training materials and access to reading for pleasure support.
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The programme helps schools build a whole-school reading culture through high-quality books, staff CPD training and practical resources that encourage children to read regularly.
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Impact of the Roots to Reading Programme in 2024/25
In 2024/25 we reached 132 schools, donating more than £264,000 worth of books and reading resources.
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98%
of teachers saw improved reading enjoyment
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94%
of teachers saw an improvement in reading culture
Testimonials
Discover what teachers say about our Roots to Reading Programme at their schools.
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All my children have loved engaging in age-appropriate books and the enthusiasm and enjoyment is still going strong. The book corner books sent were lovely quality and an amazing, diverse range. One Sikh boy commented ‘that character on the front cover is wearing a turban and looks like me.’ The books have filled our classroom book corner shelves, are used every day by the children and have had a huge impact on reading within my class. There is something for every ability level.
Teacher at a Bookmark partner school 
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We seriously need to inspire our young readers and improve their life chances. This is an almost impossible job with the horrendous, out-of-date books from the 80s that occupy our library and so I can’t wait to share the new books with the children in September. The staff and children at our school honestly can’t thank you all enough for the diverse and engaging books that you have gifted to us. I can promise you that in this school you have changed lives.
Teacher at Bookmark partner school 
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The support from Bookmark has been truly inspiring and has motivated us to enhance our school’s reading for pleasure provision. With the new books and resources, we’ve started reimagining our reading spaces to make them more inviting and engaging for pupils and timetabled book clubs for our pupils, fostering a love for reading across the entire school community.
Teacher at a Bookmark partner school 
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The books were largely placed in a Y5 classroom and the buzz around the books from both staff and children was incredible to see. Children are not wanting to put their books down. We let the children in this class have first pick and they were recommending, discussing and excitedly speaking about books with each other. We can't believe the quality of the books and the range of new titles. There are also lots of books which will support our curriculum. The wide range and diversity supports our ethos - we couldn't be happier! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Teacher at a Bookmark partner school 
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Who doesn't love a brand-new book to pick up and get lost in?! The children have been so enthusiastic to get their hands on the broad range of new books. The variety of authors and genres is excellent, providing a balance which we had been trying for many years. The children can't wait to get into the library!
Teacher at a Bookmark partner school 
