Professor Ruth Gilligan and Dr Emily Wingfield, co-leads of the University’s partnership with National Literacy Trust, reflect on 2026 being a year of reading.
On the day that the government announces that 2026 will be a National Year of Reading, Professor Ruth Gillian and Dr Emily Wingfield said:
“As Professors of English Literature and Creative Writing, we are keenly aware of the emotional and social impact of literature from the medieval period up to the present day. We also have the great pleasure of teaching outstanding students who are passionate about reading and writing.
“However, the latest research by our partners, the National Literacy Trust, reveals that such passion has grown alarmingly rare in this country. In 2025, the percentage of children and young people who said they enjoyed reading is at its lowest since surveys began in 2005. Just 1 in 3 children now enjoy reading, only 1 in 5 children and young people aged 8-18 read daily, while 1 in 10 aged 5-18 say they don’t even have a book at home.
“This is a crucial social justice issue. Children born into communities with the most serious literacy challenges have some of the lowest life expectancies in England; there are also significant links between reading for pleasure and attainment, mental health, empathy and social tolerance, and community engagement.
“Since 2019, the University of Birmingham has worked in unique partnership with the National Literacy Trust to raise literacy levels and change the life stories of young people and adults across Birmingham. Our research-led practice investigating and motivating the strong relationship that exists between reading, writing, and the lived environment, has shown just how successful a place-led approach to literacy can be in increasing reading engagement and enjoyment.
“As our colleagues at the NLT spearhead the government’s 2026 Year of Reading campaign, we look forward to continuing to engage with local schools, young people, businesses and cultural organisations on a series of inspiring research-led activities to foster reading for pleasure – and so make a crucial difference to the lives of our local young people and their families.”
Professor of English and Older Scots Literature
Biographical and contact information for Emily Wingfield, Professor of English and Older Scots Literature in the Department of English at the University of Birmingham.
Professor in Creative Writing
Biographical and contact information for Professor Ruth Gilligan, Professor in Creative Writing, University of Birmingham.
