“The Premier League Reading Stars project has changed my life because I NEVER used to read.”

Reading Stars participant

1. A 10 week, football-themed, reading intervention programme; delivered by schools, libraries and clubs.

2. Online Reading Challenges, for young people delivered by Premier League players.

…a game of two halves

www.literacytrust.org.uk

What is it? • A reading intervention programme that uses football to inspire

young people to read• Nearly 9 out of 10 participants said that seeing Premier

League footballers read made them want to read more.• Aimed at children from Years 5, 6, 7 or 8 (ages 8 to 13)• Delivered by primary and secondary schools, public libraries,

Pupil Referral Units and football clubs• Designed to target pupils with low reading attainment levels• Highly effective in transforming boys’ attitudes towards

literacy.

www.literacytrust.org.uk

The resourceThe pack• Premier League branded incentives for pupils, including colourful reading

journals, badges and certificates. • A toolkit, known as The Tactics Book: 10 curriculum-supporting sessions. • Enough resources for 32 pupils. The online challenges• Films of 20 high-profile Premier League players talking about what, when

and why they like reading. • Rewards for completing comprehension challenges and signed Premier

League memorabilia. • Introduce young people to new types of reading material and match them

to content that fits their interests.

www.literacytrust.org.uk

The impact• 3 out of 4 children make at least 6 months’ progress in reading in just 10 weeks• 1 child in 3 makes a year’s progress, or more• The number of children who say they enjoy reading "very much" is more than

double• The number of children who read everyday is more than double• 7 out of 10 say that they are now proud to be readers• Over half visit a library as a result of the programme and a third of participants

become library members• Half say that as a result of taking part they have a favourite author• Helps to close the free school meal gap by boosting the reading progress of those

who were previously struggling. On average, the reading progress of participating pupils was 50% higher than peers not taking part.

• 2013 evaluation showed a greater impact for those who receive free school meals: reading attainment improved by twice as much as other children.

Quotes

• “The Premier League Reading Stars scheme has had a very positive impact on the group of pupils we targeted. The data impact has been measurable and this was highlighted by our recent OFSTED report. It was a fine example of a high impact intervention which was recognised and applauded by the inspectors.” Reading Stars headteacher

• “Without it I honestly believe that we would have continually struggled to engage the children in reading, and certainly wouldn’t have made it as fun… it really has made a massive difference in the way that the boys view reading now.” Subject Leader of English

Quotes

• “He wouldn’t write, he wouldn’t read… his work is unbelievable now.” Reading Stars teacher

• “Premier League Reading Stars has changed my life because I didn’t used to read any types of books but now Premier League Reading Stars encouraged me to read books, informative, fiction and I also read some websites.” Reading Stars participant

• “One Year 7 boy … says he is now teaching his younger brother to read at home because he feels he is good at it now.” Reading Stars teacher

What’s in a pack? Enough for 32 young people• 32 pencils• 32 certificates • 32 Reading journals• 32 wristbands• A Reading Stars ‘challenge’

poster and stickers• A curriculum supporting 10

week programme toolkit

www.premierleaguereadingstars.org.uk

Jim Sells

Manager, Premier League Reading Stars E: jim.sells@literacytrust.org.uk

DD: 020 7820 6263W: www.premierleaguereadingstars.org.uk.

Contact details