Reading Year 2026

"Reading Year" refers to the National Year of Reading 2026, a major UK-wide campaign led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust, launching in January 2026 to combat declining reading habits by making reading modern, meaningful, and social for all ages, with a goal of building a lasting culture of reading for pleasure. The initiative, branded "Go All In," involves events, resources, and community engagement to encourage reading across schools, libraries, and workplaces.

The Conference takes place at the Bedford Campus at the Gateway Building, facing Polhill Avenue. The postcode is MK41 9EA. 

NAPE has organised this conference to inspire your teaching in reading in all its different forms. You can choose up to two workshops. Students will be booking through the University. The timetable for the day is setout below and you will see there is a break for lunch.  Lunch is included in the cost of the booking for visitors.

Details about the Key Note speaker can be found here.

 

Programme for the day

Welcome: Juliette Fern (Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, English & Sport).

& Mick Waters, President of NAPE

9.30am Key Conference Speech by Dr Roger McDonald

11am     Coffee

11.30 am  1^st Breakout groups (Choice of 4)

12.45 pm  Lunch

1.45 pm    2^nd Breakout Groups (Choice of 4)

3.00pm     Tea

3.15 pm     Q & A final session and thanks

4.00 pm      Finish

 

BOOKING COST

Students of the University of Bedfordshire are free.

Visitors £60 or £50 if you are a NAPE member. Details of joining NAPE can be found here.

 

Bookings of Teachers, Schools or Academies  (From February 1st)

Click here for the form to complete and email to NAPENationalOffice@gmail.com. Bank transfer details can be found on the form.