Children’s Reading Enthusiasm Surges After Five-Year Decline

Uptick in children and teenagers enjoying – A recent survey conducted by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) has revealed a significant shift in the reading habits of children and teenagers in the UK. For the first time since 2021, more than one-third (36.1%) of respondents aged 5 to 18 indicated they enjoy reading in their spare time, a notable increase from the 32.7% recorded in 2025. This upward trend is accompanied by a rise in daily reading habits, with 20.3% of children and young people now claiming to read every day—up from 18.7% in the previous year.

Breakthrough After a Stagnant Period

The data marks a turning point after several years of declining interest in reading. In 2021, the percentage of children expressing enjoyment of reading stood at 51.5%, but this figure steadily dropped over the following years. By 2022, it had fallen to 47.8%, then 43.4% in 2023, and a sharp decline to 34.6% in 2024 before stabilizing at 32.7% in 2025. The current findings signal a reversal of this trend, offering renewed optimism for literacy engagement among young people.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who has championed 2026 as the National Year of Reading, emphasized the importance of this development. She stated:

“For the first time in five years, more children are saying they’re enjoying reading, and that genuinely fills me with hope.”

Phillipson highlighted that when reading becomes relatable and role models are involved, it can ignite a lasting passion with far-reaching benefits beyond academic settings. However, she also noted that progress has been uneven, particularly among children from disadvantaged backgrounds, underscoring the need for inclusive initiatives to ensure equitable access to reading materials.

Age-Specific Trends in Reading Enjoyment

The NLT report highlights varying levels of engagement across different age groups. Among teenagers aged 14 to 16, reading enjoyment saw its most substantial growth this year, with 28.6% of participants expressing a positive attitude in 2025. This number increased to 35% in 2026, reflecting a marked improvement in this demographic. Similarly, the 16-to-18 age group, which had previously recorded 41.4% enjoyment in 2025, now reports 49.4%, indicating a steady rise in interest.

Younger children, aged five to eight, remain highly engaged, with 61.6% reporting a fondness for reading. This figure, however, is a slight decrease from 62.6% in 2025, attributed to a decline in boys’ enthusiasm. The report suggests that while overall levels are stable, gender disparities persist, particularly in the early years of reading development. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to address the interests of boys and encourage them to participate in reading activities.

Reading Gaps Widen Between Socioeconomic Groups

Another key insight from the study is the growing disparity in reading enjoyment between children who receive free school meals and those who do not. In 2025, 31% of children in the former group expressed interest in reading, rising to 32.1% in 2026. Meanwhile, the enjoyment rate among children without free school meals increased from 33% to 37.3% over the same period. While this represents progress, the gap between these groups remains a concern for educators and policymakers.

The NLT’s research also points to the critical role of encouragement in fostering reading habits. Teachers emerged as the most influential figures, with 65.8% of children and teenagers stating that they were motivated to read by their educators. Parents also played a significant part, influencing 54.8% of respondents. These findings suggest that a collaborative approach between educators and families could be pivotal in sustaining the momentum of improved reading engagement.

Stories as Catalysts for Imagination and Connection

Dapo Adeola, a celebrated children’s author and illustrator, echoed the importance of storytelling in nurturing a love for reading. He remarked:

“Stories are gateways that allow your imagination to take flight through time and space.”

Adeola explained how literature serves as a tool for escapism, enabling young readers to explore diverse worlds and cultures. He added:

“Through them, it is possible to escape your surroundings in a myriad of different ways, to connect with people and cultures you may otherwise never encounter in your day-to-day, to envision a future for yourself that your current circumstances or environment might not point towards.”

These insights align with the report’s emphasis on the transformative power of reading, not only in education but also in personal growth and social understanding.

The survey’s broader implications extend beyond statistics, offering a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of reading culture. With 125,375 participants from 479 UK schools contributing to the data, the findings reflect a national movement toward greater literacy participation. The rise in daily reading habits, combined with the increased engagement among older children, suggests a growing recognition of the value of books in shaping young minds. Yet, the challenge of maintaining this momentum across all age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds remains a priority for the National Literacy Trust and other stakeholders.

As the UK gears up for 2026, the National Year of Reading, the results of this study provide a foundation for future initiatives. The report underscores the importance of creating environments where reading feels relevant and accessible. For instance, the involvement of role models—be they teachers, parents, or community leaders—can significantly impact a child’s relationship with books. Additionally, addressing the gender and socioeconomic gaps will be crucial in ensuring that the benefits of reading reach every young person, regardless of background.

Looking ahead, the NLT aims to build on this positive trend by promoting reading through innovative programs and partnerships. The charity’s focus on making reading a shared experience highlights the belief that collective effort can drive lasting change. With the right support, children and teenagers may not only rediscover their love for books but also cultivate a lifelong habit of reading that enriches their lives in countless ways.

In conclusion, the uptick in reading enjoyment among children and teenagers signals a promising shift in literacy engagement. While the data reveals progress in certain age groups and demographics, it also emphasizes the need for continued support and inclusive strategies. As the National Literacy Trust and others work to sustain this growth, the broader goal of fostering a culture of reading for all young people becomes more achievable than ever before.