On the 7th of July 2025, the government Department for Education and National Literacy Trust announced 2026 as a National Year of Reading at a reception at Number 10 Downing Street. Professor Jessie Ricketts was invited to attend this event by Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson MP, who gave an inspiring speech about the importance of reading to her and for her. The National Year of Reading sets the scene for much important work in education to promote reading knowledge and skills and reading opportunities in and outside of school. You can find out more about it here and here.