Derbyshire primary school writes a new chapter in reading success with impressive quiz result

A Derbyshire primary school has come within just one point of winning a regional reading competition, with its success helping to inspire even more pupils to pick up a book.

Four pupils from The Bemrose Primary School put their literary knowledge to the test in the East Midlands heat of the Junior National Reading Champions Quiz, finishing joint second out of 12 schools in their first year entering the competition.

The team - Alice, Kyle, Frankie and Heath - scored an impressive 39 points, just one behind the winners, narrowly missing out on the chance to progress to the national final in London.

Organised by the National Literacy Trust, the competition challenges primary school pupils on their knowledge of books, authors and fictional characters, while encouraging children to discover the enjoyment of reading.

Year six pupil Alice, said: "I've always loved reading because it's like watching a film in your imagination. You get to create the characters and places in your own mind, which is what makes books so special.

"I usually enjoy fiction and read lots of scripts because I attend two drama schools, but preparing for the competition meant trying all sorts of different books, including ones I probably wouldn't have picked up myself.

"I was really nervous the night before, but it was such a good experience and I'd definitely encourage other children to give it a go.

“We also all won a £20 book voucher for doing so well in the competition which I am looking forward to use for a new book."

It comes during the National Year of Reading 2026, a nationwide campaign launched by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust to encourage more people to discover the benefits and enjoyment of reading.

At Bemrose, encouraging a love of reading is a key part of school life, with its after-school book club proving so popular that it now has a waiting list. Pupils attending the club enjoy literary challenges and creative activities, including bookmark-making.

Every classroom also has its own reading corner, while pupils spend 30 minutes in the school library each week, browsing the shelves and choosing books to borrow.

Kelsey, head of English at The Bemrose Primary School, said: "We're absolutely delighted with how well the children have done, especially as this was our first year entering the competition.

"They worked incredibly hard, giving up their lunchtimes to practise and reading so many different books in their own time, but the most important thing was that they enjoyed themselves.

"I never wanted them to feel under pressure because reading should be something children look forward to and the competition has really helped reinforce that.

"There's been a real buzz around school and it's been lovely to see reading generating the same kind of excitement as some of our sporting activities. I think we'll have lots more children wanting to take part next year.

"We're very fortunate to have such a large library for a primary school and it's somewhere the children genuinely enjoy spending time.

"I always tell our pupils that reading is the key to success, but it's just as important that they find books they genuinely enjoy. If we can help them develop that love of reading now, it's something that will stay with them for life.”

Pupils across the school were invited to put their reading knowledge to the test in a practice quiz, which was used to select the final team of four.

The chosen pupils then gave up their lunchtimes to prepare and spent their free time reading books from the 2026 recommended reading lists by BooksForTopics.

The four pupils were praised for their achievement during a school celebration assembly before being treated to a well-earned ice cream in the library with the headteacher.

Headteacher Jason Pass said: “We are incredibly proud of the children and what they have achieved, particularly as this was our first time entering the competition.

“They showed fantastic dedication and enthusiasm, and to come so close to winning is a brilliant achievement.

“Encouraging a love of reading is something we are really passionate about at Bemrose Primary, so it's been wonderful to see the excitement this competition has created across the school.

“We hope it inspires even more children to discover the enjoyment that books can bring.”