Students at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy joined thousands of young people around the world in an international bid to set a new Guinness World Records title, taking time out of the school day to celebrate reading and its benefits.
In October, students across the Academy took part in the British Council’s Take 10 to Read initiative, dedicating ten minutes to reading a text of their choice. From novels and comics to news articles, the challenge gave students the opportunity to step away from their usual lessons and develop their love of reading.
The initiative brought classrooms across the Academy together around a shared activity, highlighting the role reading plays in supporting learning, developing vocabulary and encouraging imagination. It also reinforced the importance of reading for pleasure and its potential benefits for young people’s mental wellbeing.
Organised by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with the British Council, the challenge aimed to set a new record for the most people reading online within a 12-hour period. It brought together schools and communities across the UK and around the world, drawing on the British Council’s network of education and cultural partners in 85 countries.
School Principal, Mary Henderson, said: “Reading plays a vital role in our students’ education and is fundamental to helping them achieve their potential. It broadens their knowledge, strengthens their vocabulary and helps them develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed across the curriculum.
“It was fantastic to see our students take part in this challenge and make time for reading during the school day. We want every student to recognise the value of reading, both in supporting their learning and in opening up opportunities for the future. We’re proud of their participation and grateful to our staff for their continued commitment to making reading an important part of life across the Academy.”
Evidence from the day was submitted to Guiness World Records for verification, with the outcome expected to be confirmed before 9 November 2026.
First developed by Read Manchester in 2018, Take 10 to Read is a National Literacy Trust campaign that encourages people of all ages to make time for reading, with a particular focus on its benefits for wellbeing. This year’s partnership with the British Council expanded the initiative internationally, bringing together readers from different countries in a shared effort to promote literacy.
Through its participation, West Bromwich Collegiate Academy reinforced its commitment to developing students’ reading skills and encouraging habits that can support their learning, confidence and opportunities long after they leave school.
