World Book Day 2026

World Book Day across New Bridge MAT:

New Bridge College Celebrates World Book Day with a Whole-College Reading Takeover

To ensure that every learner could take part, including those usually out on placement, New Bridge College held its World Book Day celebrations on Friday 6th March, transforming the day into a full celebration of reading, creativity and book-inspired fun.

The morning began with a staff and student fancy dress competition, with everyone invited to come in “reading-themed” costumes. The range of characters on show, from classic literature to modern comics, brought a lively and colourful buzz to the college, with prizes awarded for the most imaginative outfits.

Across the morning, the College also took part in ‘Drop Everything and Read’: three 15-minute reading slots where the entire community stopped what they were doing to read. Students could choose anything: a book, e-book, comic, graphic novel, magazine, newspaper article or something linked to their subject. The focus was simple: all reading counts!

At reception, a ‘Take or Swap a Book’ table offered students the chance to pick up something new to read. Staff donated a brilliant mix of texts - from Andrew Ridgeley’s autobiography to Thor comics, ensuring there was something for every interest. Students were free to take a book even if they didn’t have one to swap, making reading accessible for all.

During the afternoon’s Enrichment Movie Club, the theme continued, with all film choices linked to books, comics or graphic novels. Students voted on the title they wanted to watch, keeping the day fully rooted in storytelling.

To mark the occasion in a lasting way, the College also transformed its PSHE graffiti wall into a new Reading Wall. It was stripped back and re-imagined as a celebration of favourite book covers and reading quotes. Staff began adding their own favourites, with the first contribution being the cover of a book currently being read by a member of the team.

World Book Day at New Bridge College created a joyful, inclusive celebration of reading—bringing students and staff together through stories, creativity and shared enthusiasm for books.

NBC WBD 2026

World Book Day at Thomas Ashton: A Mystery Uncovered

Thomas Ashton School celebrated World Book Day on Thursday with a Trust-wide theme inspired by the crime and thriller genre: “Whodunnit?” The day offered pupils an immersive, memorable experience as they worked together to solve the fictional murder of Mr Butterworth.

As pupils arrived, they were greeted by a staged “crime scene” displayed along the main corridor. This dramatic setup set the tone for the day, capturing pupils’ imaginations from the outset. Staff supported pupils in moving carefully past the area and ensured that no “evidence” was disturbed before investigations began.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in structured activities designed to build up clues and develop their detective skills. Teachers followed a planned sequence of resources to ensure the mystery unfolded without spoilers.

During English sessions, replacing the usual Talk for Writing lesson for the day, pupils examined clues, analysed information, and began forming their theories. They worked independently or in pairs to dig deep into a set of literacy resources that would reveal the killer!

The final session of the day, held after 2pm, brought all the clues together in an exciting conclusion.

Staff submitted class results by 3:30pm so that prizes could be arranged for pupils who correctly predicted all elements of the mystery.

On Friday morning, staff received a follow-up news article announcing that the murderer had been caught and brought to justice. Many classes completed a short extension activity using this article to round off the narrative.

World Book Day at Thomas Ashton proved to be an exciting and immersive experience, blending creativity, literacy, and critical thinking. With clues to uncover and mysteries to solve, pupils spent the day fully engaged—and the atmosphere across the school reflected the fun and excitement of a true detective adventure.

TAS WBD 2026

newspaper tas chronicle killer found .pdf

World Book Day Ignites Imagination Across Heywood Academy

World Book Day at Heywood Academy was nothing short of electric, with the entire school alive with creativity, curiosity, and a genuine love of reading. From themed lessons to whole-school challenges, every corner of the academy buzzed with activity as students immersed themselves in stories in every possible form.

One of the day’s biggest highlights was the Masked Reader competition, which had students hooked from the very first disguised voice. Learners listened intently, piecing together clues and debating who might be behind each mask. The excitement grew with every reveal, and the winning students proudly chose a book to take home—a perfect prize for such a story-filled day.

The school’s ongoing reading challenge added an extra layer of excitement. Students have been logging their daily reading hours with real commitment, and the energy across year groups has been incredible. The sheer volume of reading taking place has been inspiring, showing just how deeply the Heywood community has embraced the joy of books.

Alongside these whole-school events, World Book Day wove beautifully into curriculum learning:

· English lessons were packed with creativity as students tackled a football-themed book quiz, dressed as favourite characters, joined virtual author sessions, and designed their own book covers.

· History groups delved into Horrible Histories, exploring the past through witty storytelling.

· In Drama, students brought narrative to life in a “Living Library,” performing and sharing stories in character.

· RSE groups created imaginative “Frankenstories,” merging ideas to craft completely new narratives.

· Art students explored Aboriginal Dreaming stories in the sensory room, blending culture, storytelling, and creativity.

· Design Technology classes listened to a Horrible Histories podcast on William the Conqueror, linking reading with practical exploration.

· Across Maths and Science, students read biographies of scientists, became fact-finding detectives, and listened to podcasts that connected reading to real-world learning.

· In Geography, reading tied directly into curriculum themes with chapters from The Wizard of Oz, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Kick.

· Target students took on a Hercule Poirot-style logic challenge, building reasoning, turn-taking, and problem-solving skills.

· PE brought stories to life with a lively game of Quidditch inspired by the Harry Potter series.

· In IT, students designed book covers to match their outfits, merging digital skills with literary creativity.

· Finally, Outdoor Education groups visited Rochdale Library, where they explored the space and exchanged their World Book Day vouchers.

From start to finish, World Book Day at Heywood Academy wasn’t simply an event—it was a celebration of the power of stories to ignite imagination, deepen learning, and bring the whole school buzzing to life. The enthusiasm shown by students and staff alike made the academy feel brighter, louder, and undeniably more magical.

HYD WBD 2026

Mystery and Adventure Take Over Hollinwood Academy on World Book Day

World Book Day at Hollinwood Academy was a thrilling celebration of stories, curiosity, and detective work. The school was alive with excitement as pupils arrived dressed as their favourite investigators, ready to step straight into a day filled with clues, challenges, and adventure.

Some pupils embarked on a Julia Donaldson trail around the school grounds, checklist in hand, as they searched eagerly for hidden clues. Their detective work paid off when the trail led them to a secret stash—a box filled with books and biscuits for the class to enjoy together.

Meanwhile, KS2 pupils found themselves at the heart of a gripping mystery: the case of the missing World Book Day certificates. Equipped with evidence packs and their own developing inference skills, the children took on the roles of detectives. They interviewed Miss Gordon—one of the prime suspects—and sifted through the clues with enthusiasm. After investigating thoroughly, they uncovered the culprits: none other than Miss Fullen and Mr Heap.

The day was filled with laughter, learning, and a real sense of adventure. Hollinwood Academy sends a huge thank you to all staff and pupils for bringing such energy and creativity to the celebration—making this World Book Day one that won’t be forgotten.

HWA WBD 2026

Spring Brook Academy Brings Detective Stories to Life on World Book Day

Spring Brook Academy celebrated World Book Day with a burst of energy, imagination, and detective-themed fun! The entire school stepped into the world of mysteries, with each phase diving into its own thrilling story.

Key stage one learners spent the day immersed in The Detective Dog, eagerly joining Nell as they followed clues and solved mini-mysteries around the classroom. Their enthusiasm made the story leap off the page.

Lower key stage two learners turned their attention to Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum, getting hands-on with puzzles, secrets, and hidden details. The children worked brilliantly together as they pieced together each step of the investigation.

Upper key stage two learners took on the challenge of Detective Stanley and the Green Thumb Thief, tracking down the plant-pinching culprit through careful clue-hunting and deduction. Their teamwork and determination made them true super-sleuths.

Throughout the day, pupils across the school transformed into real-life detectives—cracking codes, following trails, and gathering evidence to solve their assigned mysteries. The atmosphere was lively, creative, and filled with laughter.

World Book Day at Spring Brook Academy proved to be a celebration of reading, curiosity, and teamwork—showing just how magical stories can be when brought to life.

SBA WBD 2026

Hawthorns School Bursts Into Story Magic for World Book Day & Literacy Week!

World Book Day and Literacy Week at Hawthorns School were nothing short of spectacular, as the whole school came alive with imagination, laughter and creative storytelling.

This year’s theme: “Twisted Tales”, inspired pupils across the school to dive into stories with a playful twist. The celebrations involved the Hawthorns School Panto, where the familiar tale of The Three Little Pigs took on a hilarious new spin… especially when the wolf suddenly developed hay fever! The performance had pupils roaring with laughter and set the perfect tone for the week.

Throughout the school, classes embraced the theme by crafting their own twisted tales, putting unique and imaginative spins on classic stories. Costumes added even more magic, as pupils proudly walked the catwalk dressed as their favourite characters, enjoying the chance to celebrate each other’s creativity.

The excitement continued with a Traditional Tales character hunt, sending pupils exploring across the school to track down well-known storybook figures. Back in classrooms, children shared their favourite stories, creating warm moments of connection as they celebrated the joy of reading together.

A highlight of the week was a special visit from the Balfour Beatty team, who kindly joined pupils to read aloud and inspire even more love for books.

The week was filled with imagination, fun, and storytelling at every turn — a true celebration of literacy and the power of stories at Hawthorns School.

HTS WBD 2026

New Bridge School Brings Stories to Life on World Book Day!

World Book Day at New Bridge School was a spectacular celebration of curiosity, creativity and immersive learning. The school buzzed with excitement as pupils uncovered a mysterious crime scene hidden in the photocopier room and stepped into a fully transformed courtroom in the dining hall - sparking instant intrigue and adventure.

Throughout the day, students threw themselves wholeheartedly into every activity. They asked thoughtful, probing questions, listened with focus, collaborated brilliantly and confidently embraced their roles as detectives, judges, witnesses and jurors.

At New Bridge School, stories didn’t just leap off the page, they filled every corridor, every room and every conversation. It was a day of imagination, teamwork and unforgettable experiences, where every pupil truly shone.

NBS WBD 2026

New Bridge Learning Centre Embraces the Day!

The Learning Centre fully embraced World Book Day on Thursday with the theme of ‘Crime and punishment’.

Miss Allison rocked ‘Gangster granny’, staying in character all day, as did Mr Barker as the very naughty Draco Malfoy!

Samuel Laycock School Delivers a Standout World Book Day Filled with Fun, Suspense and Creativity

Samuel Laycock School celebrated World Book Day in true Samuel Laycock style, with creativity, teamwork and a huge sense of fun running through every corridor. The excitement even included a ten-foot inflatable dinosaur making appearances around the building, much to the delight of pupils and staff.

The entire day centred around the theme of the Traitors, linking to the MAT-wide focus on betrayal. At the end of each lesson, pupils gathered to watch short films revealing the traitor causing playful mischief across the school. Each clip offered new clues, building anticipation and keeping everyone guessing about the culprit’s identity.

The atmosphere throughout the school was electric as classes took part in a variety of activities. These ranged from a nationwide quiz hosted by former footballers to a whole-school Drop Everything and Read. Pupils raced through corridors on a book-cover hunt, collaborated on creative projects and threw themselves into every challenge with enthusiasm.

Imagination was visible in every corner of Samuel Laycock School. There were beautifully designed book-in-a-jar displays, wonderfully transformed classroom doors and thoughtful contributions to the travelling storybook, which now stands as a treasured reminder of the day’s creativity.

The celebration concluded with a special assembly where the final suspects faced the school. Pupils cast their votes live on their iPads, adding suspense and excitement before the ultimate Traitor was finally revealed. It was a brilliant moment of whole-school togetherness, filled with laughter and anticipation.

The school extends a heartfelt thank-you to every pupil and member of staff for the creativity, hard work and joyful spirit they brought to the day. Their energy and ideas made World Book Day 2026 truly memorable.