More than one in four children leave primary school unable to read well. Disadvantaged children are leaving school a year or more behind their non-disadvantaged peers.

Poor literacy can have a devastating impact on a child's life. They're more likely to be unemployed, live in poverty, have poor mental health, and even a lower life expectancy as a result.

Bookmark believes that every child deserves the opportunity to develop the reading skills, confidence, and enjoyment of reading that they need for a fair chance in life.

Join us in our mission!

1 May 2025 brings Mike's 28+ year stint with Addleshaw Goddard to an end, and in lieu of a leaving collection or retirement gifts, Mike has asked that contributions are made to Bookmark's cause. Your generosity can make a significant difference to the lives of children who need Bookmark's help the most:

£25 provides 3 one to one reading sessions

£50 gifts a "story corner" magazine to 100 children to enjoy at home

£100 gifts 18 brand new high quality books to a school library

£250 supports two on-boarded reading volunteers to deliver 12 reading sessions in a year

£500 gifts 15 story starter packs to reception-age children, igniting a joy of reading from an early age

£1,000 fully onboards a new school in a disadvantaged area onto Bookmark's one to one reading programme

Thank you for any support you can give - and rest assured that it will mean so much more to Mike and his family than chocolates, champagne and gift vouchers!