Reading in School
While half of children (50%) say they read books for fun mostly out of school, nearly one-quarter (23%) say they read at home and school about equally, and 14% say they read for fun mostly in school.
Where Children Read Books for Fun Base: Children Ages 6–17
Some children have opportunities to read a book of their choice independently during the school day, yet these experiences rarely happen every or almost every school day.
Frequency with Which Children Read a Book of Their Choice Independently in School as a Class, During Available Free Time and as a School Base: Children Ages 6–17
“I love reading because it makes me feel really clever.”
— 7-year-old girl, Greater London
Children younger than 12 are most likely to read a book of their choice as a class, while children age 12 and older are the least likely to have time for independent reading at school.
Percentage of Children Who Read a Book of Their Choice Independently Each Way in School Base: Children Ages 6–17
“He reads less for pleasure at the moment, but I think that is because he has a lot more homework.”
— Mother, 15-year-old boy, North West
Overall, children who read independently with their class or school feel more positively (56%) than negatively (37%) about this experience, saying they wish they could do this more often or that it is one of their favourite parts of the day.
How Children Feel About Independent Reading Time at School Base: Children Ages 6–17 Who Read Independently with Their Class or School at a Certain Time
“Reading fills your brain with all the imagination you need, and you can never get bored when you are using your imagination.”
— 9-year-old boy, North West
Girls are much more likely to enjoy independent reading at school; 65% of girls cited positive views compared with 46% of boys.
How Children Feel About Independent Reading Time at School Base: Children Ages 6–17 Who Read Independently with Their Class or School at a Certain Time
“I love reading because I learn new things.”
— 6-year-old girl, North West
Children who are given time for independent reading at school are more likely than than kids without this time to be reading currently and frequently, more likely to say reading books for fun is important, and more likely to enjoy reading.
Children’s Behaviours and Views on Reading Books for Fun Base: Children Ages 6–17
“I like to read because you can be taken to other places without having to move!”
— 14-year-old girl, East of England
SPOTLIGHT: Sources for Finding Books
Libraries and school book fairs and book club flyers, along with bookshops, are the leading sources children ages 6–11 use to find books to read for fun. While libraries and bookshops remain popular, online sources become more common as kids grow older.
Sources Children Use to Find Books to Read for Fun Base: Children Ages 6–17
Similarly, bookshops and libraries are the most common sources parents use when looking for books for their child to read for fun.
Sources Parents Use to Help Find Books for Their Child to Read Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17
“We have found the library is the best way of sharing books with our children.”
— Mother, 4-year-old boy, South East
Parents of children younger than 12 are the most likely to use libraries, bookshops, and school book fairs and book club flyers to find books for their children to read for fun.
Sources Parents Use to Help Find Books for Their Child to Read Base: Parents of Children Ages 6–17
