For the first time in five years, more children and teenagers are reporting enjoyment in reading, marking a significant turnaround after a period of decline. According to a recent report, this upward trend offers a glimmer of hope for literacy initiatives.
The data reveals that reading enjoyment, which had been steadily decreasing since 2021, has now reversed course. In 2021, enjoyment across all age groups stood at 51.5%, falling to 47.8% in 2022, 43.4% in 2023, and further dropping to 34.6% in 2024 and 32.7% in 2025. The latest figures show an increase.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, who has designated 2026 as the National Year of Reading, expressed optimism about the findings. "For the first time in five years, more children are saying they're enjoying reading, and that genuinely fills me with hope," she stated. "When reading feels relevant and role models get involved, children develop a passion with benefits that go far beyond the classroom." However, she also acknowledged that progress is slower for disadvantaged children, emphasizing the need to ensure all children can find reading material that resonates with them.
The most substantial increases in reading enjoyment were observed in older age groups. Between the ages of 14 to 16, reading enjoyment rose from 28.6% in 2025 to 35% this year. Similarly, among 16-to-18-year-olds, enjoyment climbed from 41.4% last year to 49.4% in 2026.
Younger children, aged five to eight, continue to show high levels of reading enjoyment at 61.6%. However, this figure represents a slight decrease from the previous year's 62.6%. The National Literacy Trust report attributed this decline to fewer boys in this age bracket reporting that they enjoy reading.
The research also highlighted a widening gap in reading enjoyment between children who receive free school meals and those who do not. This disparity underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring equitable access to literacy resources and fostering a love for reading across all socioeconomic backgrounds.