The True Equaliser: How Literacy Shapes the Future

I don’t think it’s our different political allegiances, countries, faiths, or genders that matter the most. What I believe influences us the most is our literacy levels. Yet, literacy is never discussed enough. How important it is in shaping who we are and what we become.  

We can talk about various forms of literacy—news literacy, digital literacy, media literacy—but at the core of them all is the ability to read. And beyond simply reading: the ability to comprehend, make sense of words and sentences, and develop critical thinking.

A skill so fundamental but that has somehow slipped down the educational priority list. We're hearing more than ever that children are reading less, and education budgets for literacy programs have been slashed. Although many schools want to get children reading, they just don’t have the resources.

Yet all learning begins with literacy. We can’t excel if we can’t read. And reading for pleasure? That takes us to another level - building up space for imagination, creativity, and curiosity (apologies - I feel I keep repeating myself). This is where our success lies: literacy opens up a world of possibilities. It’s the greatest equaliser in society, the key to bridging differences, kick-starting better conversations, and helping kids from every background achieve more. Shockingly, a quarter of all 11-year-olds in England—and nearly half of disadvantaged children—left primary school last year unable to read well, according to recent National Literacy Trust reports from 2022. This puts their future at risk and creates barriers to a fairer society.

How did we let literacy levels fall this low? What were we thinking (maybe we just weren't thinking...and that's the problem!)?

When we launched Storytime in 2014, promoting reading for fun was central to the UK’s educational goals. Our early editions supported the Read On. Get On (ROGO) campaign launched in the same year. It was an amazing initiative started by a coalition of 12 charities and educational organisations, including the National Literacy Trust . Their goal was to get all children in England reading well by the age of 11, with a strategy that emphasised phonics and comprehension in schools, alongside fostering a love of reading.

We played an early role in supporting the literacy programmes, working with volunteers and local councils to help children read more. Sadly, many of these programs have since fizzled out due to a lack of funding. Since lockdown, schools have repeatedly told us they want more literacy support but simply don’t have the means. Many teachers, dedicated and passionate as they are, have resorted to personally funding reading materials—an unsustainable solution.

As publishers, we understand our role in literacy. Magazines are one of the most engaging media formats for reluctant readers. Their affordable price, familiar format, and approachable content make them perfect for parents with lower literacy levels or those for whom English is a second language. Magazines create a sense of confidence and inclusion.

We’ve seen incredible initiatives in the U.S., like the work John Mennell at @MagazineLiteracy.org ...and the Bookmark Reading Charity 's Story Corner also remind us that magazines are often a great resource to bridge the literacy gap. Recent conversations with Joanna Cummings , who’s doing some great writing and research work on the impact of magazines for literacy, have been particularly exciting. I don’t think we will ever run out of ideas for what we can do next but we also need to get more initiatives started and well funded again! 

Subscribing to a magazine is more than just a purchase—it’s a gift to yourself, and a moment of pause. And a pause, these days is much needed! Giving children their own magazine gives them a sense of ownership, making them feel special, and, more importantly, nurturing a young reader who can change the world. From our early survey, we hear again and again, that receiving Storytime monthly in the post, addressed to them is one of the top two favourite perks of our regular subscription. It’s been so popular that we even offer it to schools - so the pupils can receive it at home as part of their school subscription. Not only it’s amazing to get colour, fun post - it’s a straightforward message to yourself to stop and have a good time.

So, where do you stand in promoting literacy? If social mobility and a world with more equal opportunities are values you hold dear, I hope you’ll stand with us. I hope this conversation gets louder so it gets the attention and support it deserves. With the upcoming UK budget next week, I have high hopes for education (I know the stats aren't good - but I am an optimist). The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, has emphasised her focus on improving literacy, school infrastructure, and addressing inequalities in education. Next week’s budget could be a turning point—let’s hope it brings the good news we’ve been waiting for!

#literacy #publishing #magazines #funding