National Literacy Trust

National Literacy Trust
Name	National Literacy Trust
Founded	1993
Founder	Sir Simon Hornby
Location	London, United Kingdom
Key people	Jonathan Douglas (CEO)
Focus	Literacy
Website	https://literacytrust.org.uk

National Literacy Trust. It is an independent charity dedicated to improving literacy across the United Kingdom. Founded in 1993, the organization works to raise literacy levels by supporting disadvantaged communities, conducting research, and running practical programmes in partnership with schools, businesses, and local authorities. Its mission is to equip individuals with the literacy skills necessary to succeed in life and break cycles of intergenerational disadvantage.

History

The National Literacy Trust was established in 1993 by Sir Simon Hornby, then Chairman of WHSmith, who was concerned about the impact of poor literacy on individuals and society. Its creation was influenced by a growing national focus on educational standards during the premiership of John Major. Initially based in London, the charity quickly began to form partnerships with major corporations, including Reuters and Penguin Random House, to fund its early initiatives. A significant early project was the launch of the National Reading Campaign in 1999, which aimed to foster a culture of reading for pleasure across the country. The organization has since expanded its reach, establishing a network of Literacy Hubs in towns and cities with the greatest literacy challenges, such as Stoke-on-Trent and Peterborough.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to transform lives through literacy by addressing the root causes of low literacy in the most deprived areas of the UK. Its primary objectives include raising public awareness of literacy issues, influencing national policy through evidence-based advocacy, and delivering targeted interventions that support children and families. The charity aims to close the attainment gap highlighted by reports like the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It focuses on critical life stages, from early years through to adulthood, and champions the importance of literacy for economic mobility, health, and civic participation, aligning with broader goals set by the Department for Education.

Programmes and initiatives

The charity runs a diverse portfolio of programmes targeting different audiences and settings. Key initiatives include the Early Words Together programme for families with young children and Reading Champions, which uses role models to promote reading among boys. In schools, it operates the Literacy for Life framework and provides resources for events like World Book Day. For communities, it establishes Literacy Hubs that coordinate local action and runs the Young Readers Programme to give books directly to children. Digital literacy is addressed through projects like Words for Work, which partners with companies like KPMG and National Grid to boost employability skills among teenagers.

Research and advocacy

The National Literacy Trust is a leading authority on literacy research in the UK, producing annual reports such as the Literacy Trust Annual Literacy Survey. Its studies have examined the link between literacy and mental health, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the reading habits of children and young people. This research informs its advocacy work, where it campaigns for policy changes, presenting evidence to parliamentary committees like the Education Select Committee. The charity also publishes toolkits and guidance for practitioners, influencing the strategies of local authorities and organizations such as the BBC and the Arts Council England.

Partnerships and funding

The organization operates through a wide network of partnerships across the public, private, and voluntary sectors. It receives funding from corporate partners including Amazon, Barclays, and PwC, as well as grants from charitable foundations like the Dulverton Trust and the Foyle Foundation. Strategic partnerships with publishers such as Scholastic and Hachette UK are crucial for book donations and campaigns. It also collaborates with government bodies, including the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government, and works closely with libraries, schools, and football clubs like Manchester United through its Premier League Reading Stars programme.

Impact and recognition

The charity's work has demonstrably improved literacy attitudes and skills in the communities it serves. Evaluations of its Literacy Hubs have shown increased reading engagement among primary school pupils. Its annual initiatives reach hundreds of thousands of children, and it has distributed millions of books free of charge. The organization's expertise is recognized by institutions like the University College London and the National Association for the Teaching of English. While it does not typically seek awards, its influential research and campaigns, such as those promoting financial literacy with HSBC, have established it as a pivotal force in the UK's educational landscape.

Category:Educational charities based in the United Kingdom Category:Literacy organizations Category:Organizations established in 1993