Chapter One
Changing the Story for Young Readers: The Impact of Chapter One
Too many children in the UK are leaving primary school without the reading skills they need to succeed. According to the Department for Education, 37% of 11-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds in England left school in 2025 unable to read at the expected standard.
For Chapter One, this statistic represents thousands of children whose confidence and opportunities could be shaped by stronger early literacy support. The charity works to change that through its one-to-one online reading programme, pairing young children aged five to eight with trained corporate volunteers for weekly reading sessions.
One child, one volunteer, one story at a time
Across an academic year, volunteers meet children online for weekly 30-minute sessions, providing the consistent encouragement and individual attention that many pupils in disadvantaged communities need.
The results are powerful. Children taking part in the programme improve by an average of three reading levels within a year, and 96% develop more positive attitudes toward reading.
For many children, the experience helps turn reading into something they genuinely enjoy.
“Every time I’m on Chapter One I like it! Reading’s kind of my thing — every time I do it, it makes me happier and happier.”
Growing impact across the UK
In the 2024–25 academic year, Chapter One supported 3,388 children across the UK, working with schools in communities where additional literacy support can make the biggest difference.
Through partnerships with organisations such as the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, the charity is expanding its reach even further. IICF funding is helping support 100 children in Greater Manchester, connecting them with volunteers who provide time, encouragement and a weekly opportunity to read together.
Small contributions, lasting change
Supporters and volunteers play a vital role in helping children build confidence and a love of reading. Even small contributions can make a difference:
£10 could provide five children with a reading activity book
£50 could provide noise-cancelling headphones for one classroom
£100 could fund five one-to-one online reading sessions
By combining the dedication of volunteers with targeted support for young readers, Chapter One is helping children build the skills — and confidence — they need to write brighter futures.