The world is changing, and children are engaging with stories in new and innovative ways. We must adapt to meet them where they are—while continuing to champion the joy that reading can bring. 

At Cheltenham Literature Festival 2025 we held a one-day conference packed with inspiration, creativity and practical tools to help you foster a reading culture that’s fit for the future.

This inspiring, full-day CPD conference aimed to equip and empower you to bring books to life in the classroom, with tools, ideas, and insights you can use right away. 

Whether you're a senior leader, experienced teacher, ECT or librarian, this conference was about sharing practice, refreshing ideas, and igniting pupils’ love of reading—together. 

✨ What happened: 

• Keynote speakers: Waterstones Children's Laureate 2024–2026 Frank Cottrell-Boyce and author, script and game writer Sharna Jackson
• Panel Discussion – The Future of Reading: Featuring voices from the National Literacy Trust, Inclusive Books for Children, and more
• Interactive Sessions: ‘Tell Me’ Book Talk Pedagogy and Empathy Lab: Beyond Booktalk
• Workshops: led by leading literacy experts and authors, including UK Comics Laureate 2023- 2025 Bobby Joseph, storytellerHannah Moore, National Literacy Trust, School Library Association and others 

Other RTRP projects: