Welcome to Book Clubs in Schools
Book Clubs are a simple and effective way to boost reading for pleasure in your school. You can run them in primary, secondary, in alternative provision or pupil referral units.
As part of the National Year of Reading 2026 all our resources are free of charge to state schools.
“It is a joy running these Book Clubs. They are a peer-on-peer activity that needs minimal work from me and has a great impact on reading for pleasure.”
Pauline Lawrence, Library Manager, Haverstock School
Book Clubs allow pupils to:
See themselves as readers
Regular, relaxed book talk helps pupils build a reader identity, not just a test score.
Read more, and more widely
Studies of book clubs show increased motivation, confidence and enjoyment of reading, alongside experiencing a wider range of books.
Build skills that travel across the curriculum
Discussing books develops vocabulary, critical thinking, speaking and listening – all strongly linked to attainment and long-term life chances.
Support their wellbeing
Reading gives pupils protected time to relax with a story, connect with others and talk about feelings safely through characters – building coping skills and emotional resilience.
Access leadership and volunteering opportunities
Book club leaders develop facilitation skills and build confidence
In short, well-run school book clubs don’t just get children reading more. They are a powerful combination: access to books, time to read, and time to talk about reading. They help close gaps, support wellbeing and create a reading culture that reaches beyond the library or classroom.
What Book Clubs in Schools Provides
Book Clubs in Schools exists to make running a brilliant school book club easy, sustainable and research-informed. We bring 10 years experience to providing:
Ready-to-use resources
Carefully chosen book lists
Practical guidance
Step-by-step support on setting up, recruiting book club members and book club leaders and evaluating impact.
Discounted books
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Our Featured Books
- Reading Age: 9
- Interest Age: 9, 10, 11, 12
- Genres: Adventure, History
- Themes: Death of a Parent, Friendship, War
- Reading Age: 12
- Interest Age: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
- Genres: Family, Friendship, Mystery
- Themes: Coming of Age, Crime, Drugs, Friendship, Mystery, Relationships
- Reading Age: 9
- Interest Age: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
- Genres: Family, Friendship, School
- Themes: Grief, Mental Health, Refugees, Relationships
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Measuring Our Impact
Read our Ten Year Report Here:
Book Clubbers
Book Club Leaders
Books Read
News and Features
Terms & conditions: Grimwood Series competition
Can schools tackle misogyny through peer-led book clubs?
