Responding to new research from the National Literacy Trust which found that fewer children report enjoying reading in their spare time, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said: "It is extremely concerning to see fewer children saying they enjoy reading in their free time, and the sharp fall among boys is a particular concern.

"Reading can have enormous benefits for young people's happiness and wellbeing, their education, and ultimately their long-term futures. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for this decline in interest, but another study recently found that parents are reading to their children less frequently.

"We know families have faced huge pressures in recent years, from the pandemic to the cost-of-living, and there have also been cuts to vital community services and libraries over the last decade. But we should all do everything in our power to encourage parents to read with their children as much as possible.

"These findings also clearly support the need for a review of the content of both the primary and secondary curriculum and qualifications - one of the aims of education must surely be that children and young people develop a love of reading."