An update from Jim Sells on NLT campaign Premier League Reading Stars.

1. “The Premier League Reading Stars project
has changed my life because I NEVER used to read.”
Reading Stars participant

2. …a game of two halves
1. A 10 week, football-themed, reading intervention programme;
delivered by schools, libraries and clubs.
2. Online Reading Challenges, for young people delivered by
Premier League players.

3. What is it?
• A reading intervention programme that uses football to inspire
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young people to read
• Nearly 9 out of 10 participants said that seeing Premier
League footballers read made them want to read more.
• Aimed at children from Years 5, 6, 7 or 8 (ages 8 to 13)
• Delivered by primary and secondary schools, public libraries,
Pupil Referral Units and football clubs
• Designed to target pupils with low reading attainment levels
• Highly effective in transforming boys’ attitudes towards
literacy.

4. The resource
The pack
• Premier League branded incentives for pupils, including colourful reading
journals, badges and certificates.
• A toolkit, known as The Tactics Book: 10 curriculum-supporting sessions.
• Enough resources for 32 pupils.
The online challenges
• Films of 20 high-profile Premier League players talking about what, when
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and why they like reading.
• Rewards for completing comprehension challenges and signed Premier
League memorabilia.
• Introduce young people to new types of reading material and match them
to content that fits their interests.

5. The impact
• 3 out of 4 children make at least 6 months’ progress in reading in just 10 weeks
• 1 child in 3 makes a year’s progress, or more
• The number of children who say they enjoy reading "very much" is more than
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double
• The number of children who read everyday is more than double
• 7 out of 10 say that they are now proud to be readers
• Over half visit a library as a result of the programme and a third of participants
become library members
• Half say that as a result of taking part they have a favourite author
• Helps to close the free school meal gap by boosting the reading progress of those
who were previously struggling. On average, the reading progress of participating
pupils was 50% higher than peers not taking part.
• 2013 evaluation showed a greater impact for those who receive free school meals:
reading attainment improved by twice as much as other children.

6. Quotes
• “The Premier League Reading Stars scheme has had a very
positive impact on the group of pupils we targeted. The data
impact has been measurable and this was highlighted by our
recent OFSTED report. It was a fine example of a high impact
intervention which was recognised and applauded by the
inspectors.”
Reading Stars headteacher
• “Without it I honestly believe that we would have continually
struggled to engage the children in reading, and certainly
wouldn’t have made it as fun… it really has made a massive
difference in the way that the boys view reading now.”
Subject Leader of English

7. Quotes
• “He wouldn’t write, he wouldn’t read… his work is
unbelievable now.”
Reading Stars teacher
• “Premier League Reading Stars has changed my life
because I didn’t used to read any types of books but now
Premier League Reading Stars encouraged me to read
books, informative, fiction and I also read some
websites.”
Reading Stars participant
• “One Year 7 boy … says he is now teaching his younger
brother to read at home because he feels he is good at it
now.”
Reading Stars teacher

8. What’s in a pack?
Enough for 32 young people
• 32 pencils
• 32 certificates
• 32 Reading journals
• 32 wristbands
• A Reading Stars ‘challenge’
poster and stickers
• A curriculum supporting 10
week programme toolkit

9. www.premierleaguereadingstars.org.uk

10. Contact details
Jim Sells
Manager, Premier League Reading Stars
E: jim.sells@literacytrust.org.uk
DD: 020 7820 6263
W: www.premierleaguereadingstars.org.uk.