This morning our CEO, Stephen Hall, was proud to attend a truly special moment for one of our schools and our wider community.
Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the new library at Christ Church CE Primary School in NW1 – the first primary library to open in the National Year of Reading 2026 as part of the National Literacy Trust’s Libraries for Primaries campaign.
Funded by Bloomberg through its Coronation Libraries Project, the space has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming library for all 230 pupils, with more than 500 new books, comics and audiobooks reflecting children’s backgrounds, interests and experiences.
With children’s reading enjoyment and daily reading at a 20-year low, initiatives like this matter enormously. The latest evaluation of Libraries for Primaries shows that one year on:
- 66% of children enjoyed reading more and read more often
- 81% felt more confident in their reading
- 44% of those most in need made meaningful progress in standardised reading tests
Today’s opening, held during National Storytelling Week, was a celebration of the power of stories to inspire, connect and broaden horizons. Pupils took part in sessions with award-winning authors Tọlá Okogwu, Chris Smith, Ramzee and Sophy Henn, and our pupil librarians were front and centre, demonstrating the leadership and pride that a strong reading culture can nurture.
At Camden Learning, we know that literacy underpins everything. Access to high-quality books, dedicated spaces and skilled staff who champion reading is fundamental to children’s academic success, confidence and wellbeing.
Congratulations to the team at Christ Church, the National Literacy Trust, Bloomberg and all the partners involved in making this happen. A wonderful milestone in the National Year of Reading and, most importantly, a lasting legacy for the local children and families.
