New data from over a million pupils reveals rising reading comprehension

The 2025 ‘What Kids Are Reading’ report from Renaissance, published today, reveals that children’s reading habits are evolving. Drawing on data from over 1.2 million pupils, the report shows that five years on from lockdown, young readers are engaging with more challenging books, and understanding them better.

What Kids Are Reading data

Although the number of books read has declined slightly year-on-year, pupils still read on average 20.7 books a year. This is far more than the median UK adult, who reads just three. In schools using Accelerated Reader quiz scores have improved since last year:

• Primary pupils are now achieving 80 per cent accuracy on reading quizzes, up from 77 per cent in 2024. 
• Secondary school pupils’ scores have reached an average of 72 per cent, up from 69 per cent. 

The report shows pupils also score highest on their favourite books, many of which are more challenging. In Year 5, for example, favourite books had a reading level nearly two years above the average for that age group, with quiz accuracy reaching 94 per cent. These patterns suggest that when pupils are given the freedom to choose books they love, they rise to the challenge. These findings echo those published last week about pupils enjoying writing when given autonomy. 

Crispin Chatterton, director of education at Renaissance, said: “This year’s What Kids Are Reading report highlights the real progress schools are making in helping children read with greater understanding. It’s especially encouraging to see disadvantaged pupils reporting higher enjoyment of reading in school—showing how targeted support can help more children build confidence and enjoyment in reading. At Renaissance, we’re proud to work alongside schools to create inclusive, engaging reading experiences that help all pupils succeed.”

Additional insights from the National Literacy Trust’s Annual Literacy Survey, show that while overall reading enjoyment has declined to 35 per cent, Accelerated Reader users buck the trend.

Among pupils eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), 37% of those using Accelerated Reader say they enjoy reading, compared to 32% of their peers. A similar pattern appears among boys, with 31% of Accelerated Reader participants reporting enjoyment, versus 27% of non-participants—suggesting structured support may be helping to close the enjoyment gap.

A change in children’s reading habits 

The What Kids Are Reading report also shows how children’s reading habits are changing. Jeff Kinney remains the most-read author across UK schools, with Diary of a Wimpy Kid still topping the charts. But newer voices are gaining ground. Titles by Marcus Rashford, Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and Matt Oldfieldare now among the most-read books in schools. Books such as The Breakfast Club Adventures, Little People, BIG DREAMS, and Black Men in Science mean more pupils are seeing their experiences reflected in the stories they read. This not only supports literacy development but helps pupils see themselves in the stories they read—fostering confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of reading. 

Professor Keith Topping, author of the report, added: “This year’s findings are encouraging. The narrowing of the enjoyment gap, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, suggests that structured reading time and access to tools like Accelerated Reader are making a real difference. When pupils enjoy reading, they read more—and when they read more, they achieve more.”

Access the What Kids Are Reading 2025 report here.