Bookmark Reading Charity
We want every child to read
We exist to change children’s life stories through the joy of reading.
Volunteer with Bookmark
Learn about volunteering opportunities at Bookmark, including roles as a reading volunteer, corporate volunteer or reading mentor.
Find out moreProgrammes, Grants & Resources
Learn about our programmes, grants and resources for schools, including one-to-one reading, book packs, teaching materials and funding.
Find out moreOur mission
We improve children’s literacy by promoting a reading for pleasure culture in primary schools, with a focus on supporting children in the most disadvantaged communities.
Why we exist
In England, currently more than 1 in 4 children are leaving primary school unable to read well, limiting their potential in the classroom and beyond. These children are more likely to go on to experience unemployment, poor mental health and even a shorter life expectancy.
By fostering a love of reading, we can change the story for children, equipping them with the reading skills they need for a brighter future.
Want to make a lasting impact? You can volunteer, donate or partner with us, or explore philanthropy to transform children’s futures.
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1 in 4 children
leave primary school unable to read well*
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£81 billion
is how much low literacy costs the UK economy a year**
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1 in 5 children
aged 5 to 8 don’t have a book of their own at home***
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57% of prisoners
are unable to read at the expected level of an 11-year old****
Volunteer with Bookmark
You can spark the joy of reading with every child to help them succeed in school. For just an hour a week, you can change a child’s story by becoming a reading volunteer, either face-to-face or online.
Become a partner school
We deliver our programmes in partnership with primary schools, with a focus on children in the most disadvantaged communities.
Our programmes are designed to nurture an enjoyment of reading. This is so that children read more, gain more confidence as readers and, ultimately, improve their reading skills.
Support us
By helping a child to read, we can give every child the opportunity to succeed. There are many ways you can support Bookmark, which are outlined below. Together we can give the gift of reading to the children who need us most.
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Fundraise for Bookmark
You can change a child’s story through fundraising. Whether you want to make Bookmark your charity of the year, take on a challenge or do your own thing.
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Become a corporate partner
Become a corporate partner by completing this short form and one of the team will be in touch.
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Donate to Bookmark
Donate to Bookmark and change a child’s story.
Testimonials
Discover the impact Bookmark is having on communities everywhere through the voices of volunteers, teachers and children on the programme.
Latest news
Discover Bookmark’s latest developments and activities across the nation. Stay informed about our recent initiatives and impactful programmes and hear directly from the experts about innovative teaching methods to enhance literacy.
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5 ways graphic novels help to foster a love for reading
Dive into our exclusive interview with illustrator Jay Stansfield as we explore how graphic novels inspire a love for reading and creativity in young readers.
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How one-to-one reading support can help a child to be their best selves
Discover how regular one-to-one reading sessions can help young readers on their learning journey.
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Six benefits of becoming a student volunteer with Bookmark
Learn more about our Reading Mentor Programme and the benefits of volunteering for sixth-form or college students.
Our supporters
On behalf of the children we help, we’re incredibly grateful to our supporters. These include corporate partners, charitable trusts and philanthropists.
*Department for Education Reading England's Future (literacytrust.org.uk) **World Literacy Foundation; all other statistics from National Literacy Trust ***Book ownership in 2023 | National Literacy Trust ****Prison education: a review of reading education in prisons - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)