Stenness Community School has been recognised for its growing reading culture after earning the Reading Schools Silver accreditation from Scottish Book Trust.
The award marks the second tier of the national Reading Schools programme which supports schools across Scotland to build a deep and lasting love of reading among their pupils.
The programme is open to every school in the country and has three levels of achievement, Core, Silver and Gold.
Research shows that reading for pleasure strengthens attainment across the curriculum while supporting wellbeing, empathy, creativity, resilience and critical thinking.
The Silver award reflects the school’s progress in embedding reading into daily life and in creating opportunities for pupils to lead and shape how reading is celebrated.
Mr Grant Thomson, Headteacher at Stenness School, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to have achieved the Silver Reading Schools Award.
“This recognises the hard work of our pupils, staff and families in building a real love of reading across our school community at Stenness.
“Books and stories sit at the heart of our culture in classrooms, corridors and conversations and our children are seeing themselves as confident, joyful readers.
“We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and excited to keep building on it.”
To achieve Silver level, schools must show evidence across key areas including staff development focused on reading for pleasure, the formation of a reading leadership group with pupil representation and clear opportunities for learners to engage with books beyond the classroom.
These opportunities include author visits, library engagement, creative projects and wider activities that help young readers explore their interests.
Debbie McLeod, Reading Schools Project Manager at Scottish Book Trust, took part in the accreditation process and praised the school’s work.
“I really enjoyed finding out how you are continuing to develop the reading culture in your rural island school.
“It is evident that you seek out ways to overcome any challenges that your location might present.
“This shows dedication.
“The huge amount of work and commitment you have put into the programme really shone through your application what an incredible reading environment for your learners.
“It is clear that, as a school, you value, support and develop learners’ individual reading interests.”
The Reading Schools programme is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Scottish Book Trust which is Scotland’s national charity for reading and writing.
Stenness Community School will now continue its development work as it sets its sights on the Gold award, with pupils, staff and families shaping the next chapter of their reading journey together.
