This research from ImpactEd found that pupils with greater confidence in reading had higher levels of wellbeing and lower levels of anxiety.
The researchers surveyed over 80,000 children on measures related to their wellbeing and anxiety, as well as their confidence in reading and typical reading behaviours.
According to the research report, “Reading Well”, pupils who scored themselves as confident readers had wellbeing levels nearly a third (31.8 percentage points) higher than pupils who are less confident readers, and reported anxiety levels that were 21 percentage points lower.
The research also found a strong association between having a quiet space to read, how often pupils read and how much they enjoy it. Almost 2 in 5 pupils (37%) without a quiet space to read at home reported that they did not read in their free time at all, while just over 1 in 8 pupils (12%) with a quiet space to read at home said the same.
Pupils and schools have experienced huge disruption over the last two years, with schools facing real questions about where to invest their resources. These findings highlight how reading can play a key role in supporting both wellbeing and academic achievement.