The National Year of Reading 2026: What Suppliers Need to Know

The government’s upcoming National Year of Reading 2026 will put literacy at the forefront of the education agenda, creating significant opportunities for schools, publishers, and suppliers across the sector.

With only 1 in 3 children aged 8–18 enjoying reading in their free time and just 1 in 5 reading daily, the National Year of Reading 2026 will focus national attention on reversing this literacy crisis.

This webinar will unpack the campaign’s aims, explore how schools and communities will engage, and show how educational suppliers can align their products and services to support improved reading outcomes. Gain practical insights, examples, and guidance to position your organisation at the heart of this critical national initiative.

Andrew Ettinger, Director of Education, National Literacy Trust

Andrew is Director of Education at the National Literacy Trust. He oversees all the Trust’s education work with schools, settings, children and families. Starting out as an English Teacher in South London where he saw the impact that a great teacher can have on children’s lives, especially those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, he has most recently been an Associate Professor of Education at London South Bank University.

He has worked across the education system in senior roles with a focus on ensuring that the young people who can benefit the most receive the best teaching possible. This includes being a Policy Advisor at the Department for Education, where he was responsible for young people’s participation in education including Raising the Participation Age legislation. He has also been Programmes Director at Teaching Leaders (now Ambition Institute), leading the design and content for some of the country’s largest and most impactful professional development programmes, and he has held national roles responsible for teacher training policy and school collaboration.

To ask any questions, please email eventsteam@besa.org.uk.

We look forward to having you join us for an enlightening and enriching experience!

About BESA.