Register to volunteer
Join our volunteer-led reading programme and help children develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
Become a reading volunteer and change a child’s life
As a literacy volunteer, you’ll give one-to-one reading support for primary school children who need it most.
Our flexible volunteering opportunities make it easy to support a child’s literacy wherever you are.
What’s involved in the application process?
We’ve designed the process to be as easy and straightforward for you as possible. Just complete the registration form with the details listed below.
You can save and return to your application anytime. If you get stuck, just email us.
Fill in your name and contact details
Choose one of the following:
- Bookmark volunteer
- Corporate volunteer
- Reading Mentor (for 14–18-year-olds)
As part of our safeguarding requirements of working with children, please provide:
- A five-year history of education, work, or volunteering (flexible if not applicable)
- Two references to support your application
If you’re no longer in work or may struggle to provide references, please read our guidance or email applications@bookmarkreading.org for help.
For the best experience, please use Google Chrome and make sure you’re not logged in to Citrix.
After review, apply for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
- Bookmark covers the cost
- Support is available if needed
- If you've lived abroad, you may also need an overseas check
Take part in a short online interview with a Bookmark team member - this will help us understand your motivations and ensures you're prepared for the role.
Before you begin delivering reading programme sessions, you’ll complete online training that prepares you to confidently support children, whether in person or through virtual reading volunteer opportunities.
Become a Reading Volunteer
Just one hour a week can help a child gain confidence, improve literacy, and fall in love with reading.
Any questions?
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Yes! We also offer face-to-face volunteering opportunities at local primary schools. Volunteers typically support a minimum of two children per week, depending on availability.
A full list of schools with in-person availability is updated throughout the year and can be found in the 'f2f schools list'.
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The main way volunteers can connect with each other is through the messaging platform, 360L. We have a really supportive community of volunteers. You can find more information about 360L and links to join our groups here.
Our Volunteers Team also run regular drop-in sessions for volunteers, which you can find and book into on the ‘Events’ section of the Bookmark Library.
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As a Bookmark Volunteer, you’re in control of your schedule. You’ll start by choosing the days and times that suit you best for delivering your reading sessions.
Once you’ve set your availability, our 360 Learning digital platform will show you the primary schools and children who need support at those times.
From there, you can simply select the programme that feels right for you.
Our platform ensures that every match is:- Local or online, depending on the type of programme you choose
- Consistent, so you support the same child throughout their six‑week journey
This way, you’re always volunteering at a time that works for you - and helping a child who genuinely needs your support.
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We work with a third party to complete DBS checks. These can take up to six weeks, however, it is normally within 2 weeks.
Becoming a Bookmark reading volunteer is a meaningful commitment. Given the investment required to onboard each volunteer (£300+), we ask that you apply only when you’re ready to meet the programme requirements and dedicate the necessary time.
We work closely with our partner schools to deliver our reading programmes. As such, we are required to adhere to their safeguarding practices and unfortunately, a majority of the schools with whom we partner do not permit volunteers with spent convictions to participate in the programme.
