Exeter College first ran the Six Book Challenge in 2013 with 48 participants, almost all English as a Second Language (ESOL) students. In 2014 the number rose slightly to 65, again mainly ESOL students. This year we are proud that numbers rocketed to 194 and for the first time it attracted a more varied spread of learners, including adult GCSE English students, APEX, Skills for Living, Functional Skills, and those participating in literacy workshops.

Everyone that completed the task told us that the challenge had been a valuable experience, increasing both their confidence and enjoyment and they said they would continue their reading journeys. Some had even practised reading to children or elderly relatives, so not only the participants benefitted but the pleasure was spread more widely!

In 2016 we hope to engage our 16-19 GCSE English learners with the new Reading Ahead brand to encourage wider reading and to give them the confidence that they are actually already reading everyday – it doesn’t just have to be books.