Reading for Pleasure: Michael Rosen's winning school announced

Published on: 06 September 2022

Back in March, legendary author and poet Michael Rosen asked school teachers and librarians to share the brilliant things they'd been doing to encourage reading for pleasure for the chance to win a seriously cool prize... and the results are in!

Michael loves to celebrate primary school teachers and librarians, and all the brilliant work you put into getting children reading for pleasure! That's why he launched a competition to recognise your efforts and award the most interesting, fun and impactful examples.

We're excited to announce that the winning school is...

Whirley Primary School, Macclesfield

Whirley Primary School made an absolutely stunning book documenting all the ways they'd been reading for pleasure.

Here's what Michael had to say:

"Dear Whirley,
You are a brilliant and wonderful school. It was truly wonderful to hear from the Reading Champions and all the children about all the great things you are doing to help your school encourage Reading for Pleasure. 
As you know, if people read widely and often it helps them with everything! School, leisure, friends, difficult or sad times, funny times, strange times, challenging times. Reading helps with everything! So it really is important what you are doing at your school.
Can I also say that I think that the book you have made is superb. I hope that people all over the country might get to see it. I'm saying that because I think and I hope that other people can learn from you. Now there's a thought, eh?
Very best wishes,
Michael Rosen"

Take a sneak peek inside Whirley School's book...

Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
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Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book
Whirley school's amazing book

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Whirley school's amazing book

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The Runners Up

Congratulations also to the runner-up schools for their gorgeous entries to the competition:

Marine Academy, Plymouth

  • They have a session called Paws to Read where children read to the school dogs
  • They have a books vending machine

Samuel Ryder Academy, St Albans

  • They have been murder mystery detectives 
  • The teachers share what they’re reading 

Swanmore C of E School, Hampshire

  • They leave bookmark reviews in books to inspire future readers
  • They have a cosy outdoor Book Garden

Westminster C of E Primary Academy, Bradford

  • Each class has a story sack containing a book, hot chocolate sachets and biscuits. It is for children to enjoy a bedtime (or anytime) story with their families.
  • There are 6 Reading Ambassadors from Year 6 who review books for the school newsletter

Calderbridge Primary School, North Lanarkshire

  • Every class has a weekly slot in the library dedicated to reading for pleasure
  • They have guests reading to the children – such as the janitor!

Keep your eyes peeled for more fun competitions coming soon!

Meet our latest Writer in Residence

Every six months, BookTrust appoints a new Writer in Residence to write blogs, run competitions and give us their own unique perspective on the world of children's books. Our current Writer in Residence is Rashmi Sirdeshpande.

Find out more