Bradford 2025 x Penguin Books
Published: August 27, 2024
A year-long partnership is set to provide advice to budding writers, guidance to English teachers – and nearly 5,000 books to schools across Bradford.
We’re proud to be partnering with Penguin Books during our year as UK City of Culture, working together to inspire the next generation of readers, writers and publishers across the district. This collaboration is focused on making books more accessible to young people and fostering deeper engagement with literature in our community.
Bradford 2025 and Penguin Books are committed to creating lasting cultural impact by nurturing a love of reading and supporting the literary ambitions of young people across the district – with initiatives including:
Books for schools
Penguin Books will be donating 100 books to all 47 state secondary schools in Bradford District, including SEND settings and alternative provision. The donations will include a range of titles catering to diverse interests, themes and age groups. Schools and teachers will be able to use these books to enrich their libraries and help ignite a love of reading among students.
Teacher development opportunities
Penguin will host a professional development event for secondary school English literature teachers as part of Bradford Made. Titled ‘Reflective Practice on Diversity: What Can I Do from Today?’, the panel discussion will empower teachers to diversify their curricula by incorporating more works by writers of colour, and will provide practical tips, book recommendations and lesson plans to enhance their teaching practice.
Careers workshops for students
Three Bradford secondary schools will have the opportunity to host ‘Build a Book’ workshops. These interactive sessions, led by a team from Penguin, will introduce Key Stage 4 students (ages 14–16) to potential career paths within the publishing industry. Students will leave the workshop with a free book, Penguin merchandise and a deeper understanding of the career possibilities within publishing.
Guidance for aspiring writers
Penguin will run a free public event for aspiring local writers aimed at demystifying the publishing industry. A published author, a Penguin editor, a literary agent and other industry experts, including Bradford-based writers and publishers, will guide participants through the journey from manuscript to publication.
“We’re delighted to be working with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture to celebrate the power of literature and reading in local communities,” said Meredith Adams, Head of Social Impact at Penguin Random House UK. “Our programme of activities across the year will include book donations to local secondary schools, workshops for aspiring writers and young people interested in careers in publishing, and much more.”
“Bradford is both a place with an incredible literary heritage and the UK’s youngest city – and so we’re thrilled to be working with Penguin Books to promote the power of reading to young people and communities across the district,” added Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. “Our partnership will provide tangible benefits to schools, teachers and pupils all over Bradford – and hopefully help the next generation of Bradford writers make it to a bookshop near you soon.”
