Reading School

At Wilmslow High School we believe that reading is an essential learning habit for all our students, whatever their age or ability.

We have therefore developed the concept of 20:20 reading by which we mean a habit of:

20 minutes of reading for improvement
20 minutes of reading for wellbeing

We believe that reading brings a range of intellectual, health and wellbeing benefits for our students and we have been delighted to reopen our new library this year as part of our building programme

For more information on reading, and about our Spring into reading programme for our key stage 3 and 4 students please see our We’re all reading handouts which you can download below.

We will provide updates on We’re All Reading each term.

Key Stage 3 Spring Reading Booklet

Key Stage 4 Spring Reading Booklet

At Wilmslow High School we are determined to ensure that all our students are reading to at least age-related standard, and in line with their academic potential.

We assess our Year 7 and Year 9 students using the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) assessment provided by GL Assessment. More information about this can be found at this link. We also monitor the reading of our students in other year groups so that we can take swift action where any student may be falling behind in their reading.

At Wilmslow because ‘We’re all reading’ we take a team approach.

Ms Powley, our Deputy Headteacher oversees We’re all reading@wilmlsow.

She is a passionate advocate for reading across and beyond the curriculum and shares her vision for 20:20 with our students through her assemblies to all year groups. Get in touch at: RPowley@wilmslowhigh.com

Miss George, our Formal Curriculum and Assessment Lead oversees our Reading Assessment programme.

Get in touch at: CGeorge@wilmslowhigh.com

Ms Roselle is our Reading Lead.

She coordinates our Reading Programme at levels 1-5. Get in touch at: SRoselle@wilsmlowhigh.com

Miss Baldwin is our Reading for Wellbeing Lead.

She coordinates our Reading Programme at levels 6-7 working closely with our Librarian. Get in touch at: KBaldwin@wilmslowhigh.com

Miss Plaat is our Librarian.

She is delighted with our new library space. Get in touch at: PPlaat@wilmslowhigh.com

Miss Sivori is our Curriculum Team Leader for English.

The English Team support We’re all reading@wilmlsow through our Sparx Reader activities. Get in touch at: CSivori@wilmslowhigh.com

Mr Williams is our Sixth Form Lead.

He works closely with the Reading Team on promoting reading for our Sixth Form students. Get in touch at: HWilliams@wilmslowhigh.com

Why Reading for Pleasure Matters

Reading for pleasure is more than just an enjoyable pastime—it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and academic success. At Wilmslow High School, we encourage students to develop a lifelong love of reading, as it offers numerous benefits:

Improves Literacy and Academic Performance: Reading regularly helps students develop a richer vocabulary, better grammar, and stronger writing skills. It also improves comprehension, concentration, and memory, all of which enhance academic performance across all subjects.

Stimulates Imagination and Creativity: Fiction books, in particular, open students’ minds to new ideas, diverse perspectives, and imaginative worlds. This not only sparks creativity but also broadens their understanding of human experiences and cultures.

Reduces Stress and Promotes Wellbeing: and escape from the pressures of everyday life. Immersing themselves in a good book can provide mental relaxation and promote emotional wellbeing.

Develops Critical Thinking: Reading different genres and viewpoints encourages students to think critically, question ideas, and analyze complex situations. These skills are transferable to other areas of learning and life.

Fosters Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: By engaging with diverse characters and stories, students develop empathy and emotional intelligence, learning to understand different perspectives and navigate their own emotions.