Dive Into the RMS Summer Reading Challenge 2026!

The summer holidays are here, and the RMS English Department and Resource Centre are thrilled to share the Summer Reading Challenge 2026!

Every year, we curate these specialised reading lists to resource our pupils with engaging summer reading material. Independent reading has been widely identified as the single greatest marker of academic success in education. Beyond boosting knowledge and literacy skills, a great book offers incredible emotional enrichment and a perfect way to unwind over the break.

This year’s lists have been compiled from a mix of prestigious recommendations, exciting new releases, and our own pupils’ voices. Whether your child is moving through Senior School milestones or preparing for the final stretch of Sixth Form, there is a literary adventure waiting for them.

Download Your Reading List

What is Required?

• Year 8 & Year 9: Pupils entering Year 8 and Year 9 in September 2026 are required to read at least three books from their respective lists.

• Year 10: Pupils entering Year 10 are also required to read at least three books.

• Year 13: While the challenge is optional for our incoming Year 13s, it is highly recommended for those looking to stretch their thinking, expand their perspectives, or prepare for advanced English study in the autumn.

Sneak Peek: 2026 Reading Highlights

We pride ourselves on offering a diverse exploration of literature across a range of genres. Here is a taste of what is on offer this year:

• Visiting Author Spotlight: Over the past academic year, RMS was delighted to welcome incredible writers like Abiola Bello, Elle McNicoll, Amelia Tait, and award-winning author (and RMS parent!) Sarah Hagger-Holt. Their highly celebrated books feature prominently across the year groups.

• New Releases: Look out for 2026 hot-off-the-press titles, including Kimberly Whittam’s Always Angel, Ravena Guron’s Your Murder Next, Holly Jackson’s Not Quite Dead Yet, and Maggie O’Farrell’s stunning new summer novel, Land.

• Timeless Classics: From the moving sisterhood of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and the gripping mysteries of Agatha Christie, to the Gothic brilliance of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.

• Tailored Support & Graphic Novels: We believe reading is for everyone. Highly accessible, high-interest, dyslexia-friendly titles from Barrington Stoke (like Sophie McKenzie’s Escape and Patrice Lawrence’s Needle) are available to support literacy, alongside beautiful graphic novels like Lize Meddings’ The Sad Ghost Club.

Where to Find the Books

Most of the selected titles are readily available to borrow from local public libraries or can be easily ordered. We also highly encourage pupils to swap and share titles with each other over the summer to keep the literary conversations going!

The full, detailed booklets for each year group – complete with blurbs and reading guidance – are attached below.