Two local schools are celebrating the National Year of Reading with a series of author visits and activities designed to inspire their students.

Both Kenilworth Multi Academy Trust (KMAT) schools - Kenilworth School and Sixth Form and The Westwood Academy - are marking the national campaign with events aimed at encouraging pupils to discover the joy of reading.

Kenilworth School has already outlined its ambitions for the year, saying it is embracing the initiative "with the idea that reading will connect us with the things that already inspire us".

The initiative is part of KMAT's vision to provide a holistic approach to education that goes beyond the curriculum.

The trust added: "Reading has always and will always be important at KMAT but we will be using the National Year of Reading to raise the profile even further."

The year has been kick started with a visit to Kenilworth School by author Kate Mallinder and will be followed up with talks from Julian Sedgwick and Josh Silver in March.

The visits form part of the trust's wider emphasis on broadening its students' horizons and its focus on "aspiring to excellence through quality, ambition and independence". 

KMAT CEO Hayden Abbott said the National Year of Reading provides an opportunity to further strengthen an already embedded reading culture across the trust.

Author Kate Mallinder visited Kenilworth School earlier this year (image via KMAT)

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He said: "Reading underpins success across every subject and every stage of education. 

"At KMAT, we are proud of the strong culture of reading that exists in both Kenilworth School and The Westwood Academy.

"The National Year of Reading gives us a valuable platform to build on that work, introduce students to new authors and ideas, and reinforce the message that reading is not just an academic skill, but a lifelong source of enjoyment and inspiration."

Mr Abbott added: "Bringing authors into school allows students to see the creative process first-hand and helps them connect with stories in a deeper way. 

"We are excited about the programme of events taking place this term and the further activities planned as the year progresses."

Alongside the author visits at Kenilworth School, Westwood Academy will also be promoting reading through themed activities and curriculum initiatives as part of the trust's wider commitment to literacy development.

Further details about additional events and activities are expected to be shared by the schools later in the term.

Find out more about the multi academy trust on the website here.

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