‘Going all In’ for World Book Day 2026

Pupils, students and staff from across the Trust celebrated World Book Day by dressing up in costumes and sharing favourite books. This year’s theme was “Go All In” and there were lots of brilliant costumes and activities representing all the different things students are “into”.

Here’s some of the highlights from across the Trust

Brantridge School enjoyed a vibrant World Book Week inspired by The Café at the Edge of the Woods. Pupils took part in storytelling sessions, creative workshops, and reading‑themed activities throughout the week. A visiting storyteller kicked things off with lively retellings of traditional tales, while illustrator James “The Crazy Comic Guy” returned to run popular comic‑drawing sessions. Upper School pupils also joined an online workshop with author Michael Rosen, creating imaginative mini books featuring quirky food‑based characters.

St Dominic’s School celebrated World Book Day with a memorable visit from author Michelle Magorian, famed for Goodnight Mister Tom. Her readings and dramatic excerpts brought the World War II era to life, captivating pupils and students. Magorian was joined by her son George, who performed musical pieces from the story’s stage and television adaptations, creating an immersive experience.

At Addington Valley Academy there were some spectacular costumes and students embraced their love of reading.

Highlights of the day at Bedelsford School were the World Book Day costume parades for both primary and secondary students. It was amazing to see all the fabulous costumes and everyone had lots of fun guessing all the characters on display. It was lovely to see classic book characters including Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, and Winnie the Pooh featuring in our parade. But more recent additions to our bookshelves including SuperTato, Tracy Beaker and Draculaura, also made an appearance.

Bedelsford Chaucer Centre celebrated their first World Book Day by dressing up and coming together to share their costumes and favourite books.

At Carew Academy students in Key Stages 2 and 3, and all Skills for Life students, came along to a pop-up bookshop, run in partnership with The Children’s Book Project, a literacy charity dedicated to giving every child their own books. They chose two free books to take home and share. There was lots of book talk and lots of happy students! 

Dysart School also celebrated by showing off their fabulous costumes at the Primary and Secondary costume parades. There were lots of brilliant costumes representing all the different things students are “into”, from pirates and princesses, to Gruffalos and many animals including the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.

Nightingale Community Academy Year 7 students went on a special trip to Only Make Believe book shop in Merton Abbey Mills, which opened specially for us so that students could exchange their World Book Day tokens for a book. Primary pupils took part in the BBC’s World Book Day Live Lesson hosted by Vick Hope and Joel M and dressed up as their favourite characters.

Staff and students at The Skills Hub joined the global celebration of stories and imagination by dressing up as some of their favourite book characters. From magical worlds to classic tales, it was a wonderful opportunity to share a love of reading, conversations about favourite stories, and enjoy a little creativity together.

World Book Day reminds us that books can open doors to new ideas, places and possibilities – something we love to celebrate across our learning community.

Well done to everyone for embracing our World Book Day celebrations this year and thank you to all pupils, students, families and staff for all the effort that went into the fantastic costumes.

Happy World Book Day!