Reader Leader

READER LEADER TRAINING PROGRAMME

Reader Leader is a reading mentoring scheme, created by the Children’s Literacy Charity, in which we train older school pupils to become reading ‘Leaders’ who then mentor younger ‘Readers’ who need to build confidence in reading.

The programme supports younger pupils who may be below age-related expectation in reading, not reading at home or who have not yet discovered the joy of reading. Following our expert training session the programme is managed by the school. Leaders are provided with a resource pack and meet their Readers once a week for 30 minutes, over the course of 18 weeks.

The Reader Leader programme offers a great way to get involved with the National Year of Reading 2026.

Readers

develop reading fluency and comprehension
improve self-confidence
start to enjoy deeper engagement with reading
build a relationship with an older peer

Leaders

gain valuable teaching and mentoring skills
have a responsible role within the school community
build a supportive relationship with a younger peer

Run by one of our skilled trainers, the one-day Reader Leader training (half-day for primary schools) equips 15 students to mentor younger readers over 18 weeks. We provide the school with slides, handouts, resources and a pin badge. Certificates are given to Readers and Leaders.

In secondary schools, Leaders are typically in Years 10-12 supporting Readers in Years 7-9.

In primary schools, Leaders are typically in Years 5-6, supporting Readers in Years 2-4.

What the students say:

“Reader Leader has motivated me to read more interesting and enjoyable books. It’s a great start to the day.”

“My reader used to stumble over long words but can now break them down and reads more smoothly.”

“Asking the Readers comprehension questions, has improved my own comprehension and the way that I think about the books that I read.”