Award-winning Warwick reading programme celebrates biggest year yet
More than 120 children from seven local primary schools have celebrated completing the University of Warwick’s biggest Reading and Literacy Programme to date, with a day of stories, science and creativity on campus.
The programme supports children who have had fewer opportunities to read for pleasure, pairing them with Warwick staff and student volunteers who share stories, encourage discussion and help build confidence as readers.
Katie Lockton, teacher at Limbrick Wood Primary School, said: “Having the University of Warwick coming into our school has been a great pleasure. The groups have been engaging for our young people, who always come back excited about reading and can’t wait for the next session.
“Some of their feedback included enjoying the book and feeling that they had grown in confidence to read out loud in front of other children rather than an adult. We look forward to the celebration event.”
Over several weeks, pupils explored Knight Sir Louis and The Sorcerer of Slime by local authors and illustrators the Brothers McLeod, taking part in creative activities inspired by the story. Every child received their own copy of the book to take home, helping to continue their reading journey beyond the programme.
Tamara Friedrich, Associate Professor at Warwick Business School and a volunteer on the programme, said: “It has been a real privilege to be part of this programme. Reading is so important for unlocking learning, but also for sparking children’s curiosity and imagination.
“It has been a delight to see the children engage with the story in their own unique ways and grow in confidence as they explored the adventures of Knight Sir Louis. I think we had as much fun as the children!”
The Reading and Literacy Programme is delivered by the University of Warwick in partnership with Tile Hill Community Partnership, Templars Primary School and Warwick Volunteers. The annual project supports children to develop a love of reading, which is fundamental to educational outcomes in the long term, helping them adapt to change, build confidence and engage more with reading at a key stage in their education.
Martin Price, Associate Director for Regional Engagement at the University of Warwick, said: “Universities can make a real difference when they work closely with the communities around them. This programme shows the positive impact that can happen when academic expertise, local knowledge and people’s lived experiences come together.
“At Warwick, we are committed to building strong partnerships across the region and supporting work that creates meaningful change. We’re proud to be part of this collaboration and to see the benefits reaching the children, families and communities it was designed to support.”
The Reading and Literacy Programme was recently recognised with a Warwick Award for Public and Community Engagement (WAPCE), celebrating the positive difference Warwick staff and students make by working with communities.
The award recognises the power of bringing people together – including schools, local organisations, authors, staff and students – to help children discover the enjoyment of reading.
This year’s programme was supported by 13 Warwick staff volunteers and four student volunteers, who gave their time to read with children, encourage their confidence and help them enjoy the stories they discovered.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer
stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
10 July 2026