Falkirk pupils first to achieve national Reading Schools status

Run by Scottish Book Trust in partnership with Education Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, Reading Schools is a new accreditation programme for schools that are committed to building a culture of reading for their learners and communities.

Reading Schools provides an option for educational settings to advance to silver and gold status, and the programme also encourages collaboration within and between schools.

Those who sign up to the accreditation will receive resources, training and support from Scottish Book Trust.

Schools gaining gold Reading Schools accreditation were Airth Primary, Bo’ness Academy, Carron Primary, while Braes and Grangemouth high schools gained silver and Antonine Primary School was awarded core accreditation.

An evaluation report conducted on the Reading Schools pilot, which ran from 2019 to 2020, found that 80 per cent of teachers agreed taking part in the programme helped their school to support learners who are not enthusiastic readers, while 85 per cent agreed taking part in Reading Schools helped learners to develop a love of reading and supported their attainment.

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Marc Lambert, Scottish Book Trust CEO, said: “Not only does Reading Schools help pupils to develop a love of reading, but it also supports learners’ health and wellbeing, which is crucial during current circumstances.

“The feedback for the Reading Schools accreditation programme has been fantastic and we’re pleased that so many schools in Forth Valley have earned their gold, silver and core results. Congratulations from all of us at Scottish Book Trust, and we look forward to more schools achieving their accreditation.”

Dr Janet Adam, Forth Valley and West Lothian RIC Literacy Lead, added: “Reading Schools is a brilliant initiative that really celebrates all the good work already taking place in schools, highlights good practice, encourages collaboration and motivates practitioners and young people to widen their horizons.

"I would recommend Reading Schools without hesitation – and can envisage that it will gain even more momentum and recognition as more schools become involved.”

Reading Schools is currently open to all schools in the Falkirk area.

Visit www.scottishbooktrust.com/reading-schools for more information.