The National Year of Reading 2026 at Clifton College

Clifton College is proud to celebrate the National Year of Reading 2026 with an expanded programme of literary events, author visits, competitions and community initiatives across the Pre-Prep, Prep and Upper School. While reading for pleasure is championed every day in our libraries, this year provides a special opportunity to highlight the transformative impact of reading on academic achievement, wellbeing and personal growth.

Author and Poet Visits Across the College

Author visits remain at the heart of our literacy enrichment, offering pupils the chance to meet inspiring writers and discover new perspectives.

In the Pre-Prep School, pupils will enjoy a visit from Laura Baker during Book Week, who will share her celebrated title All the Wonderful Ways to Read. Later in the year, award‑winning author and publishing expert Jodie Lancet‑Grant will join us to introduce her latest picture book. These events follow the success of our recent visit from Donna David, who spoke passionately about the importance of libraries to pupils from Clifton College and local partner schools.

The Prep School continues its tradition of welcoming acclaimed writers. This academic year, pupils have already met Tom McLaughlin, Alastair Chisholm and multi‑award‑winning Ross Montgomery. During World Book Day week, Chris Bradford will bring his high‑energy Bodyguard show to inspire our thrill‑seeking Year 7 and 8 pupils.In the Upper School, the 2026 programme includes visits from debut author and Bristol Teen Book Award shortlistee Nevin Holness, Carnegie-shortlisted poet Luke Palmer, YA Book Prize shortlistee Ravena Guron, bestselling author and academic Dr Jewell Parker Rhodes, and poet and MC Danny Pandolfi.

Competitions, Events and Whole‑School Celebrations

The College’s literary calendar is rich with opportunities for pupils, staff and families to get involved. The Percival librarians’ long‑running Great Clifton Read Off has expanded this year to include staff and parents, encouraging the whole community to read more widely. Year 9 pupils have read over 160,000 pages, with staff close behind at 123,000 pages. This year also marks the launch of Reading Ambassadors for Years 10 and above, who will lead creative literary challenges and peer recommendations.World Book Day will be celebrated across an entire week, with pupils and staff in the Pre‑Prep and Prep dressing as favourite book characters, costume parades, a Book Fair, themed lunches and playground activities. The much‑loved Bedtime Stories event will return, inviting Pre‑Prep pupils back to school in their pyjamas for an evening of stories and hot chocolate.Throughout the year, the Prep Library will spotlight different areas of its collection through themed displays linked to national events such as NSPCC Number Day, Periodic Table Day, Holocaust Memorial Day, Lunar New Year and Ramadan. Clubs including Chess, Creative Writing and the 10x Challenge are supported with curated reading selections, and this summer the library will 'Go All In' for the FIFA World Cup!

In the Upper School, pupils can look forward to the popular Staff vs Students Literature Quiz, Everyone Reading in Chapel, The Masked Reader, House and tutor group quizzes, and the return of Literary Bingo, where pupils identify teachers dressed as book characters.

Additional highlights for 2026 include the Pre‑Prep Secret Reader week, the Percival Poetry Party for World Poetry Day, the Stanley Steadman Essay Prize, and a Commemoration theme celebrating nostalgia and beloved children’s books.

Book Award Shadowing

The Percival librarians and English Department continue to lead award shadowing programmes. Year 10 pupils are currently shadowing the Bristol Teen Book Award, with top readers attending the awards ceremony. In the Summer Term, all Year 9 pupils will shadow the Carnegie Medal, culminating in creative presentations judged this year by author Ravena Guron.

Library Clubs and Co‑Curricular Opportunities

Across the College, librarians run a vibrant range of clubs including Comics Club, Creative Writing, Anime and Manga, and the Clifton Herald student newspaper. Pupil Librarians support daily operations in the Prep Library, while the Reading Task Force Committee helps plan challenges and activities to inspire a love of reading throughout the school.