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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
David Maddox

Education secretary reveals the books that spurred her to read

Education Bridget Phillipson Sherlock Holmes
  • Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that 2026 will be the National Year of Reading in the UK.
  • The initiative aims to foster a love of books among children, addressing a decline in reading for pleasure, with only one in three children currently enjoying reading.
  • Ms Phillipson shared her personal journey, crediting detective fiction like Sherlock Holmes and Hercules Poirot for her early love of reading, and now rediscovering this joy with her own children.
  • She stressed the significant benefits of reading, including improved academic performance, broader vocabularies, better mental health, and enhanced empathy.
  • The National Year of Reading will involve collaboration with the National Literacy Trust to support schools, libraries, and community groups in integrating more reading into daily life, despite the challenges posed by electronic distractions.

IN FULL

From Sherlock Holmes to Poirot, Bridget Phillipson reveals the books which inspired her to read growing up

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