Promoting a love of literacy for World Book Day 2025

Here’s a round-up of how our schools got involved this year: 

Beauchamp City Sixth Form, Leicester 

Celebrated with a twist for older students, the library featured a brilliant literary display, showcasing an engaging collection of works by accomplished authors such as Jeanette Winterson, Emily Brontë and Naomi Ishiguro. The display sparked interest among students, providing them with a range of thought-provoking reads.  

 

Beauchamp College, Oadby 

Key Stage 3 students took on the Fiction Addiction reading challenge, getting hooked on the latest Ravena Guron mystery, while elsewhere, inside the Library of Lost Stories, daring students tackled thrilling escape room-style puzzles, testing their wits to uncover hidden tales. The Masked Reader challenge also brought characters to life as students designed impressive 3D masks of their favourite literary icons. 

Even staff got in on the fun, creating Reading for Pleasure posters and taking part in a character hunt – armed with special book character lanyards for students to spot! 

 

Brocks Hill Primary School, Oadby 

A vibrant hive of excitement, saw pupils from every class adorned in a variety of literary-themed fancy dress, including The Cat in the Hat, Tigger, Harry Potter and even a couple of mischievous Oompa-Loompas. Bursting with enthusiasm, the budding young authors tuned into World Book Day livestreams with renowned children’s authors Stephen Mangan, Jim Smith and Laura Baker, picking up tips for how they can improve their own writing skills! 

Creativity was in full force as pupils also participated in themed competitions – EYFS and Key Stage 1 designed new Little Mr or Little Miss characters, while Key Stage 2 reimagined iconic book covers. Choosing winners will be no easy task! 

 

Broom Leys Primary School, Coalville 

The children were challenged to get creative with their World Book Day costumes, using just three items from home or school. The result was a fantastic array of outfits, from Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Mr Men tributes to beloved characters from David Walliams’ novels. 

To encourage a broader celebration of reading, pupils were also invited to take inspiration from their favourite non-fiction books, dressing as something from the real world. 

The imaginative results brilliantly showcased a love for both storytelling and factual reading. 

 

The Castle Rock School, Coalville 

The magic of World Book Day was embraced with a series of thrilling literary challenges. The Secret Storyteller had students on the edge of their seats during Tutor Time, as they tried to unmask the mystery staff member hiding behind a book. 

The excitement didn’t stop there with staff and students then embarking on a 12-hour Readathon. Taking place in both school libraries, the thrill of literary adventure filled the air!  

 

The Cedars Academy, Birstall 

Resembling the Mad Hatter’s tea party itself, The Cedars Academy was magically transformed into Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland for World Book Day! Staff members fully embraced the theme, dressing up as iconic characters including Alice, the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts, bringing the enchanting world of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life. 

 

Hallam Fields Primary School, Birstall 

Pupils took part in the Read Your Way Challenge, capturing creative reading photos alongside a book review - six standout entries won Waterstones vouchers!

Dressed in cosy pyjamas, children shared their favourite bedtime stories with their classmates, embracing the magic of storytelling. Meanwhile, the Book Swap stall was buzzing as pupils exchanged pre-loved books using special tokens.

Creativity was on full display with the Favourite Character Wooden Spoon activity, where children transformed wooden spoons into beloved book characters to use as puppets!

 

Highcliffe Primary School, Birstall 

A jam-packed day at Highcliffe began with a whole-school assembly, where everyone – pupils and staff! – showcased their fantastic costumes, followed by a lively rap from MC Grammar. 

Pupils and their families got involved in a creative potato character challenge, resulting in ‘spudtacular’ entries and three winners awarded special World Book Day badges. 

The school’s ‘Buddy Reading’ initiative invited younger and older pupils to come together and share stories, while children also enjoyed comedic puppet shows and acting out iconic scenes from their favourite books.  

 

Humphrey Perkins School, Barrow upon Soar 

The day was bouncing with excitement as staff and students at Humphrey Perkins dressed up as famous characters; from Sherlock Holmes and Disney Princesses to three creative staff members who donned inflatable pig costumes – no prizes for guessing who their chosen literary characters were! 

Students joined in with literary quizzes, a 10-Book Treasure Hunt, and the grand opening of the ‘Starbooks’ café in the library where the top 25 readers were treated to an exclusive event with hot chocolates, cakes and World Book Day badges!  

 

Martin High School, Anstey 

Fully embracing the magic of World Book Day, teachers went all out with their favourite book character costumes. From wizards and superheroes to classic literary figures, the creativity on display was truly inspiring!  

Adding to the excitement, students were treated to a surprise appearance from young darts superstar Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler, making the day even more unforgettable! 

 

Mercia Academy, Swadlincote 

It was a week filled with thrilling literary fun and friendly competition at Mercia, as students took on a challenging, brain-teasing quiz before embarking on a swashbuckling Treasure Hunt. Enthusiastic literary pirates scoured the library, searching for clues to uncover a mystery book.  

Elsewhere, the Pair Up Your Teachers challenge had students matching teachers to specific book titles or authors displayed on their lanyards, adding an extra layer of excitement to events. 

 

The Newbridge School, Coalville 

Staff welcomed the World Book Day spirit by dressing up as infamous Roald Dahl characters, including Miss Trunchbull, Fantastic Mr Fox, and Violet Beauregarde. The fun continued with a lively poetry slam in the main hall, where both staff and students showcased their poetic talents.  

Each department also joined in, decorating their areas to reflect a unique literary theme, adding even more creativity and excitement to the day. 

 

Newhall Junior School, Swadlincote  

With an impressive array of costumed children and staff for World Book Day, this year’s theme, inspired by the Little People, Big Dreams book series, celebrated inspirational figures. Across the school, students learned about influential artists and musicians, from Stan Lee and Frida Kahlo to Bob Dylan. Many classes also joined live author sessions with Pamela Butchart and Stephen Mangan. 

At break time, the ever-popular Bookswap took place in the hall, where children brought in books from home to exchange with their peers, giving everybody the chance to delve into a brand-new story! 

 

Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College, Knighton 

The week kicked off with a lively workshop from comedian and poet Rob Gee, inspiring Year 8 and Year 9 students in the art of poetry. 

Thursday was packed with excitement, as students and staff dressed up as their favourite book characters, with prizes for the best costumes. Drop Everything and Read got everyone immersed in a good book, and both lunchtimes featured fun activities in the library. 

Around the school, posters of staff’s favourite ‘teen reads’ sparked a challenge, with students tasked with matching the adult to their book, while the week culminated in assemblies celebrating World Book Day! 

 

With such a fantastic array of activities and learning in 2025, we’re excited to see how our schools will surpass it in 2026, continuing to highlight the joy of reading among pupils.