(open to all teachers, librarians and reading champions, in and beyond the school)
In association with The Open University and the UK Literacy Association
The HarperCollins Reading for Pleasure Awards, now in their 9th year, seek to recognise teachers who put reading for pleasure at the heart of their practise. We are determined to encourage more children to read for pleasure and we know one of the barriers to this is that children tend to think of reading as a subject to learn rather than something they would choose to do in their free time for enjoyment. Teachers and educators therefore need to adopt a strategic and creative approach to inspire reading, and we celebrate those that do, and that therefore make a huge difference to young people’s outcomes and wellbeing, because children who read for pleasure simply do better in life.
Our Patron is award-winning children’s author, Michael Morpurgo, and we collaborate with the Open University and the UK Literacy Association to run the Reading for Pleasure Awards.
What are the different award categories?
We are running five award categories this year to give teachers at all stages of their career and working in all different settings the chance to win. The categories include:
- Early Career Teacher (0- 3 years in teaching)
- Experience Teacher (3 years plus)
- Whole School
- School Reading Champions (e.g. Librarians/other educators)
- Community Reading (immediate and/or wider community, from local areas to local authority)
- The HarperCollins Author’s Choice Award is chosen by the guest judge as their personal favourite and will win a virtual visit from that author
Enter to be in with the chance of being recognised by experts in children's reading for pleasure
What do I need to do?
Enter by submitting a research-informed case study on how children have been encouraged to read for pleasure in your classroom, school, or wider community. The best submissions include detail regarding the context of your intervention and the research that has inspired you.
The case study should be a minimum of 1000 words, maximum of 1500 words and should include details on the context of the study, the research inspiration and rationale, as well as the aims and objectives. You then need to provide an outline of your intervention, evidence of the impact, and your reflections on the whole initiative.
Please download either a PowerPoint or Word template here:
RfP Awards 2026 HarperCollins,OU,UKLA, 2026, entry form, ppt version.pptx
RfP Awards 2026 HarperCollins,OU,UKLA, 2026, entry form.docx
How do I submit my entry?
To submit your entry, please ensure it’s marked ‘Submission for HarperCollins RfP award’ and uploaded via Share your practice – Reading for Pleasure (ourfp.org)
If you do not already have one, you will be asked to register for a free account as part of the submission process.
Entries for the 2026 Awards close at midnight on Sunday 14th June 2026. Winners will be announced on Saturday 17th October 2026 at the OU conference, Milton Keynes. Winners receive £250 worth of books of their choice, selected from HarperCollins Children’s Books, Farshore, Barrington Stoke and Collins and twenty copies of Help Your Child Love Reading by Alison David.
Who are the judges?
Winners are selected by a panel of expert judges from across the education and publishing sectors. Our fantastic 2026 judges include:
• Mel Taylor-Bessent, Author and founder of Authorfy
• Joy Court, Co-founder: All Around Reading
• Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education, The Open University
• Alison David, Consumer Insight Director, HarperCollins Children's Books and Farshore
• Martin Galway, Head of Professional Learning & Partnerships, National Literacy Trust
• Lee Newman, Education Publisher, Collins
• Cally Poplak, Managing Director, HarperCollins Children's Books and Farshore
• David Reedy, reading expert and former President of UK Literacy Association
The deadline for entry is midnight on Sunday, 14th June 2026.
Any top tips?
Take note of these three top tips from former judges to increase your chance of winning!
1. Follow the guidance – it seems easy, but don’t forget to make sure your submission meets all the requirements.
2. Don’t go over the word count! While we love reading here at HarperCollins, unfortunately, your submission will not be considered if you exceed 1,500 words.
3. And finally, select photos carefully, choosing only those that demonstrate your work.