World Book Day: Celebrating Creativity and a Love of Reading
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Schools across QMAT are excited to be celebrating World Book Day 2026, with a wonderful variety of activities designed to inspire imagination and nurture a lifelong love of reading. Throughout the week, pupils and staff are embracing the joy of books through creative dress up days, assemblies, book themed experiences, quizzes, author interactions, book fairs, reading challenges and special events organised within each school community.
From cosy reading corners to hands-on workshops and interactive literacy challenges, the week provides countless opportunities for pupils to see reading as something exciting, social and fun and encourage children to read for pleasure, explore new genres, and share stories with one another.
At Maylandsea Primary School
In addition to children dressing up as their favourite book character, there is a packed programme of events, including:
- A whole-school assembly celebrating reading.
- Prize giving for the Book Mark Competition.
- The official launch of the new outdoor lunchtime library, funded by the Friends of Maylandsea.
- A cosy and creative 'Book Bistro' in every classroom.
At Tiptree Heath Primary School
Children in Years 3 and 6 will be treated to a special visit from local author Sam Scott, who will speak about her books and answer pupils questions. Meeting a real author is an unforgettable experience for young readers and writers, sparking inspiration and showing that stories are created by people just like them.
At Great Baddow High School
There is a full week of activities; encouraging students to connect with books in fun and creative ways.
Events include:
- World Book Day Quiz.
- Favourite Book Bunting.
- Guess the Book in a Jar.
- Hidden Books challenge.
- Murder in the Library.
- 'Guess Whose Pet Got Caught Reading?' competition.
The school is also launching its new Golden Ticket reading initiative, where students are rewarded for reading for pleasure.
Across all our schools, the message remains the same: reading matters. It supports learning across every subject, strengthens vocabulary, builds empathy, and opens the door to imagination and opportunity. World Book Day is a fantastic way to highlight the importance of reading not just in school, but at home and throughout life.
We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm shown by pupils, families and staff across the Trust. Thank you for helping us create such a vibrant celebration of books and storytelling.
Happy World Book Day 2026!
