OVER the past year, students at John Kyrle High School have benefitted from a partnership with the Ross Books Foundation, a charitable organisation set up to foster a love of reading among young people.

Since its launch in 2024, the scheme has gone from strength to strength, helping students not only improve their literacy skills, but also develop a genuine enthusiasm for reading.

At the heart of this partnership rewards programme which is aimed particularly on the school’s more vulnerable learners.

For many of these students, books have not always been a part of their life. But thanks to the generosity of the Foundation, these students have the opportunity to select a book of their choice, paid for by the Foundation, after visiting Rossiter’s Bookshop in Ross-on-Wye.

The initiative is about more than just rewarding hard work; it aims to encourage students to become confident, independent readers and to view books as something enjoyable and worthwhile.

It also helps students build their own book collections, strengthens ties with the local community, and promotes a lifelong love of reading.

These visits have become a regular feature of school life with 70 students so far taking part in the scheme.

Students are chosen for these trips through a series of literacy-based awards, which celebrate progress, effort, and attitude towards reading.

Selection criteria recognise students not only for progress in reading age but also for their commitment to reading beyond lessons, exploring new genres, and acting as role models to others.

With students selecting everything from children’s classics to non-fiction and even Homer’s Iliad, the scheme is broadening reading habits and encouraging students to try new genres.

Reading and literacy remain at the heart of school life, and this valued partnership continues to make a real difference.

If you are interested in supporting the Ross Books Foundation, contact [email protected] .