Reading Mentors (14 to 18-year-olds)
We work with schools, sixth forms and colleges to help students, aged 14 to 18, volunteer as Reading Mentors.
Reading Mentors will support children in enjoying reading and building confidence through regular one-to-one sessions in school or online.
What is the Reading Mentor programme?
Our Reading Mentor programme gives 14 to 18-year-olds the opportunity to read with children in a local primary school.
Your students will read one‑to‑one with children aged 5 – 11 from one of our partner primary schools. Mentors deliver weekly 30‑minute sessions, reading stories and playing literacy‑based games with the same child over a sustained period.
We provide all safeguarding, training and structured resources, making the programme straightforward for schools to run while delivering real impact for children who need extra reading support.
Why become a Reading Mentor?
Becoming a Reading Mentor is not only a rewarding experience, it’s also a great way to strengthen your CV and make your UCAS application stand out.
It gives students hands‑on experience working with children, and the volunteering hours can count towards your International Baccalaureate (IB) creativity, activity, service (CAS) requirements and also fulfil the “volunteering” section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Please note, to meet Duke of Edinburgh’s Award criteria, students will need to volunteer for at least one hour per week – two back‑to‑back 30‑minute sessions – for a minimum of three months (Bronze), six months (Silver) or 12 months (Gold).
When I started off, I wasn't really sure how to properly communicate with my reader... but towards the end I feel like I've developed skills and I've been able to communicate with them better and help them learn better as well.
As a Reading Mentor, 14 to 18-year-old volunteers will:
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Support children to develop the reading skills they need to progress at school and in life
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Build self‑confidence for themselves and the children they read with
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Develop planning and delivery skills by choosing and using reading resources
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Make a positive contribution, with 92% of our volunteers feeling they’ve positively impacted a child
Six benefits of becoming a student volunteer with Bookmark
Learn more about our Reading Mentor Programme and the benefits of volunteering for 14 to 18-year-old students.
Read moreThe Reading Mentor Programme gave my personal statement a boost which set it apart from the average applicant for UCAS - volunteering is really helpful and definitely gives that lift to any application.
Become a Duke of Edinburgh volunteer
As an AAP for Duke of Edinburgh, you can complete your DofE Award by volunteering with Bookmark, offering young people a meaningful way to give back and grow.
Read more
Safeguarding
Ensuring the safety of children and volunteers is at the very heart of what we do. You can find our safeguarding, safer recruitment and other policies relating to volunteering here.
Reading Mentor partner schools
We’re proud to have partnered with schools across England to host our Reading Mentor programme.
Register your school for our Reading Mentor programme
Interested in volunteering opportunities for your students? Fill out the form below register your interest, and a member of the Bookmark team will be in touch.
Please note, this form should only be completed by schools and not Reading Mentors directly.
Frequently asked questions
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- Training is provided through our online platform 360 Learning
- Safeguarding checks are required
- Reading Mentors are supported by Bookmark staff
- The programme operates in schools
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Students need to sign up to volunteer via their school. We require a minimum of 10 students or 5 if at least one volunteer is using their volunteering as part of their DofE as they will need to compete 1 hour per week.
Contact your school asking them to complete the registration form on our website, and a member of the Bookmark team will be in touch.
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Student reading mentor roles are suitable for students who:
- Are aged 14-18
- Are studying at school, sixth form or college
- Can volunteer weekly during term time
- Enjoy reading and working with children
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