First News is delighted to provide a free First News digital subscription for every pupil over the summer holiday in 2024.
We know that reading loss can be a real concern over the summer holiday, especially while the cost of living crisis is biting.
According to research from the National Literacy Trust, 1 in 15 young people said they do not have a book at home, rising to 1 in 10 young people who receive free school meals* and, in 2023, 1 in 5 (20%) parents said they were buying fewer books for their children, increasing to 1 in 3 (36.1%) of those who were struggling financially as a result of the cost-of-living crisis**.
So, we’re proud to provide free reading to help schools combat summer reading loss this year.
Keep students informed and entertained all summer with trusted and impartial news & games. Our news is aimed at 7 to 14-year-olds but accessible for all ages and helps keep pupils reading while improving their critical literacy and oracy skills.