1 in 5 children read only once a month

A new survey from Explore Learning found that less than 20% of children read for pleasure on the weekend . 

A new nationwide survey by Explore Learning, the UK’s largest independent tuition provider, has revealed one in five children only read once a month. The data also revealed that just over a third (38.5%) of children read every day with less than 20% reading for pleasure at the weekend. The results come soon after the Department of Education and the National Literacy Trust announced the launch of the National Year of Reading campaign, set to commence in January 2026, following concerns that only one in three 8 to 18-year-olds reads.  

The survey, which captured the reading habits of children aged 4-16 across the UK, found that whilst a proportion of children only read once a month, over half (51.4%) surveyed believe they are reading more this year than last. The majority (66.1%) of children still prefer the experience of reading a physical book, with digital preferences split across reading on a tablet (13.2%), listening to an audiobook (10.9%), or reading on a Kindle/e-Reader (9.9%).   

Lisa Haycox, CEO of Explore Learning, said: "Reading is a foundation of learning - building understanding, empathy, and confidence. At Explore Learning, we want children to love reading not because they have to, but because they want to. With so many ways to explore stories today, every child can find something that sparks their curiosity. Our mission is simple: to nurture a lifelong love of learning that empowers children far beyond the classroom".  

During the summer holidays, Explore Learning encourages families to maintain the positive momentum by participating in initiatives such as The Reading Agency’s annual Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge, a national initiative delivered in partnership with libraries, provides a fun and free way for children to continue their reading journey over the break. Keeping brains engaged through reading during the summer is a proven way to prevent the "summer slide" and ensure children return to school with confidence.  

About Explore Learning  

Explore Learning is the UK’s largest tuition provider for school-aged learners and a recognised leader in the UK education ecosystem. The organisation combines trusted educators with innovative proprietary technology to raise attainment, build future-ready skills and deliver lasting educational impact.   

As the UK’s largest tuition provider for school-aged learners, Explore Learning has established itself as a leader in the UK education ecosystem. Through a unique blend of trusted human expertise and proprietary AI-powered technology, it delivers measurable academic outcomes and creates lasting educational impact.