The ‘Library League’ was established last autumn with the aim of introducing newly arrived Year 7 students to the school library and promoting reading for pleasure. To participate, students were invited to read qualifying titles from the library’s collection of over 5,500 books in order to build their cumulative word count.

A weekly top-20 league table was published in the student bulletin to monitor progress and inspire competition among those involved. A total of 42 students took part, motivated by prizes awarded at key milestones throughout their reading journey.

Certificates of achievement were awarded at 100,000 words, 250,000 words (bronze), 500,000 words (silver), and one million words (gold). These were accompanied by prizes including badges, magnetic page markers, and bookmarks. Students reaching 700,000, 900,000, and one million words were rewarded with confectionery. For every additional 200,000 words read beyond the million-word milestone, sweets and chocolates were given as further incentives. Additionally, students earned positive points through the school’s Class Charts behaviour and rewards platform for each book they completed.

Announcing the results of the league, school librarian Julie Thompson said: “Congratulations to the winners of the Year 7 Library League Challenge. These students have proved themselves to be outstanding readers. I am very proud of everyone who participated - they all had very positive attitudes to reading and the competition was fierce. Well done to them all!”

Topping the league with an incredible 1,642,170 words to his name was Alfie P, who received a gold certificate, a badge, and a trophy. In second place was Reese F, awarded a silver certificate and badge for reading 1,501,340 words. In third place, Lorien W received a bronze certificate and badge in recognition of the 1,094,166 words she read this year. All three top finishers were also awarded a £10 Waterstones book voucher to celebrate their achievements.

Following the success of this year’s Year 7 competition, the league will relaunch in September as a whole-school initiative. Renamed the Reading League Challenge, the new format will feature a points system that unlocks rewards such as free books, sweets, chocolates, and reading accessories. The league will be open to students in all year groups to further encourage borrowing from the school library.

Mrs Thompson added: “Our school library is a fantastic resource and we encourage all students to explore it. Fiction titles remain our most popular reads and our collection reflects this. We regularly provide book recommendations and welcome student suggestions for new additions to our shelves.”

ABOVE: The top 20 finishers. Each student was rewarded with Class Charts points in relation to their final placing. 

ABOVE: Gold winner Alfie P topped the league with an impressive 1,642,170 words to his name. To his left is second-place winner Reese F (1,501,340 words) and to his right, third-place winner Lorien W (1,094,166 words). The students are joined by school librarian, Mrs Thompson.  

ABOVE: Alongside a £10 Waterstones voucher, Alfie was also presented with a trophy to acknowledge his overall win.   

BELOW: Each of the top three finishers each received a certificate and badge.