The British School of Brussels (BSB) has proudly marked a milestone in its ongoing commitment to inspiring a love of reading among out students by earning a prestigious Building a Culture of Reading 2024-25 Graduate certificate as part of the Open University Primary Reading Schools Programme. This accolade celebrates BSB’s dedicated efforts to embed reading for pleasure across its Primary curriculum and throughout the entire school community.
Over the past year, as part of its involvement in the OU Primary Reading Schools Programme, BSB has embarked on a transformative journey to strengthen its culture of Reading for Pleasure (RfP) in Primary, underpinned by evidence-based pedagogy and whole-school engagement. Research and evaluation have guided actions that are already delivering measurable outcomes, fostering a thriving and inclusive reading community that extends beyond the classrooms and into the libraries.
Building on this momentum, BSB has refreshed classroom reading spaces to reflect the evolving interests of its students, while introduced popular initiatives such as “Books on Tour,” peer-led recommendations, and student council “booknics.” The school is also deepening opportunities for informal book talk, enhancing awareness of individual reading identities, and investing in staff development through targeted training and a new professional book club, designed to keep knowledge current and responsive to teacher interests.
“We’ve focused on evidence-based strategies to make reading accessible, inclusive, and student-led,” says Ceri Seymour, Curriculum Leader – English. “That has meant reviewing classroom environments, our teaching approaches, and the ways families are involved – all with the aim of building habits that last beyond Primary school.”
At BSB, reading is more than a curriculum requirement – it is a core value woven into daily life. The school’s Primary curriculum draws on international research to create an environment where every child is empowered to learn independently and discover the joy of books. Phonics and language development are expertly taught, but equally important is the whole-book approach to English, which uses literature as a gateway to vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking.
BSB’s passionate staff encourage reading not just as a study but as a lifelong habit. Classrooms are designed to be “hubs of readers,” and the school provides diverse pathways for children to explore language, stories, and culture. Teachers encourage agency and inquiry, helping every child see themselves as a reader and bringing families into the reading journey at home and at school. The international, multicultural context of BSB only strengthens this vision, with initiatives to ensure books and stories reflect the rich backgrounds and experiences of its students.
“A strong reading culture is the heartbeat of BSB,” says Alicia Baine, teacher librarian in Primary. “It brings us together, sparks curiosity and kindness, and opens doors to endless possibilities. It empowers our learners, shapes their imagination and voice, while making BSB a place where every story is valued and every reader feels at home.”
Receiving the Building a Culture of Reading Graduate certificate from the Open University recognises BSB’s outstanding achievement in strategic, sustained development of its reading culture over the past year. This latest award is testament to the school’s vision, its investment in whole-school literacy strategies, and its unwavering belief that a love of reading underpins academic success and personal growth.
“I think people should read books because you can be taken away to a new realm, or learn something new,” says Tessa from Year 6. “That is my favourite part about books.”
Children at BSB are not only better prepared academically; they leave with the confidence and curiosity that comes from having a world to escape to within the pages of a good book. Parents, staff, and students are proud to be part of a community where reading is celebrated, and this recognition affirms BSB’s status as a leader in international Primary education for promoting reading as a vital, joyful part of every child’s development.
“I love reading, I don’t read just because I have to, I read for pleasure,” says Kika, Year 9. “It’s like a daily routine; it’s the sunshine to my day.”
The Graduate Certificate is a milestone, but BSB’s work is ongoing.
In the coming year, smaller-scale projects such as buddy reading, story clubs, and parent involvement initiatives will be scaled up across all Primary phases. The school will also be working towards the Open University / UKLA Reading for Pleasure Quality Mark, a rigorous standard that recognises excellence in building sustainable reading communities. This provides an opportunity to continue our partnership with the OU and showcase aspects of our Reading for Pleasure culture which has been embedded at BSB for many years.
“The certificate acknowledges the progress we’ve made, but we see it as another steeping stone,” adds Ceri Seymour. “Our aim is to ensure that every child, teacher, and parent is part of a thriving reading community.”
The Open University Primary Reading Schools Programme is a year-long, evidence-informed initiative designed to help schools cultivate a robust culture of Reading for Pleasure (RfP). Drawing on extensive research – including the Teachers as Readers project – the programme equips staff to review current practice, develop action plans, and engage learners, with practical strategies to enrich reading communities and curricula. The programme’s impact is evident in increased engagement, higher reading attainment, and more vibrant school communities where both children and adults are enthusiastic readers.
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