Thousands of pupils across Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) came together for its Big Read, a Trust-wide event celebrating reading, imagination and wellbeing.
The Big Read was sparked by ideas shared by BDAT’s own student wellbeing ambassadors, who said reading helps them feel inspired and navigate everyday pressures. Senior leaders across the Trust then came together with students to create the event, designed to promote reading for all ages and show the benefits it can have, not only for learning but wellbeing and relaxation too.
Throughout the day, schools hosted a wide range of activities to bring reading to life. Authors Sairish Hussain and Ryan Vernel visited schools to read from their works and inspired students by reflecting upon their writing journeys. Teaching Personnel launched a photography competition highlighting special and unusual places to read, whilst Advanced IT Services ran a poetry competition on the theme of wellbeing. Representatives from Bradford Bulls, including mascots Bullboy and Bullgirl, and Yorkshire County Cricket Club also joined pupils for reading-themed sessions, showing how books can inspire success both on and off the field.
Individual schools also ran their own programmes, from reading events to special guest visits, showing pupils that reading matters in every walk of like and highlighting the positive aspects of reading to boost mental health and for enjoyment. St Matthew’s C of E Primary School organised a mystery masked reader event and welcomed the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Manoj Joshi. Shipley CE Primary invited former pupils to read to Year 6 classes, while the National Literacy Trust Bradford Stories Bus visited Westminster C of E Primary and Lady Royd Primary to promote the importance of reading for pleasure and improving wellbeing. At Immanuel College and Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, pupils visited Darley Market to perform spoken word poetry to shoppers and market traders.
Anne and Ray, shoppers at Darley Street Market, said: “The poem ‘I come from …’ had stunning imagery. Beautiful words, clearly spoken from the heart.”
The Big Read also received strong support from the community, with many generous book donations from Little Bookshop Skipton, The Reading Agency and Advanced IT Services, helping to bring the Big Read to life. Born In Bradford undertook student voice into the positive impact of reading for wellbeing as a prelude to potential future research projects and kindly donated books.
Students themselves said the event deepened their love of reading. Eshaal, Year 10, said: “I enjoyed hearing the author’s story and what inspired her to write. I loved the fact that we got to share our love of reading with others.” Aliyah, Year 10, added: “The author’s journey into writing inspired me to write more. It was lovely to have her here.” Khaira, Year 7, said: “I enjoyed listening to the stories and learning more about cricket! I really liked it!”
Jonathan Kennedy, Student Voice Coordinator at BDAT, said:
“The Big Read is a fantastic example of how student voice can spark real innovation across the Trust. Our wellbeing ambassadors identified reading as a powerful way to support mental health, and their enthusiasm has inspired activities that will engage pupils across all our schools.
“It’s brilliant to see pupils engaging with reading in so many creative ways and coming together as a community around this shared passion.”
Carol Dewhurst OBE, CEO of BDAT, said:
“Reading is one of the most powerful tools we can give our young people. It supports their learning, builds confidence, and helps shape their sense of identity.
“What makes the Big Read so special is that it was inspired by our students themselves. This event is a celebration of their voices and their love of reading.
“As a Trust, we are proud to champion reading across all our schools, creating opportunities that connect literacy with wellbeing, creativity, and joy. We want every child to know that reading is for them, no matter who they are or what they dream of becoming.”
BDAT is now building on this momentum by encouraging every child to discover reading as a source of wellbeing and inspiration. The event forms part of a broader year-long focus on reading, with activities set to continue throughout the academic year, including World Book Day in March 2026, all building excitement ahead of the Government’s National Year of Reading in 2026. 
