Our Impact
Transforming Children's Futures
Our Online Reading Volunteers Programme boosts children's confidence and enjoyment of reading, strengthens their belief that they're good readers and sparks their excitement about the world of books.
Take a look at our impact so far.
96% of teachers believed that Chapter One was beneficial to their pupils (Annual Survey, 2025)
91% of children participating in the Online Reading Volunteers Programme made improvements in their reading knowledge and functional skills (Impact Report, 2024-2025)
96% of volunteers would recommend the Online Reading Volunteers Programme to a friend (Annual Survey, 2025)
Key Evidence
We're committed to robust impact evaluation of our work, rooted in the strongest research evidence.
More impact stories
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Research & Evidence
Our Impact Report 2024-25
Read about what our community of schools, volunteers, corporate partners and funders helped us achieve in our 2024-25 Impact ReportFind out more
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Impact Story
Ayden's story: From "I don't want to read" to "I feel like an angel"
A child who wouldn't engage with reading now puts his hand up to read to his entire class - and calls his Chapter One volunteer his 'best friend'Find out more
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Research & Evidence
Reaching reluctant readers: Our Book Club pilot improves attitudes to reading
Pilot project shows how targeted support for older children is reigniting their love of readingFind out more
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Impact Story
Haniya's reading journey: a story of transformation
For Haniya, an 8-year-old pupil in Glasgow, Chapter One has helped form her identity as a reader - and to become a reading role model to othersFind out more
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Impact Story
Growing in confidence: Charlie's reading journey
For Charlie, in Year 1, Chapter One has helped transform reading from being a real challenge to an activity he enjoys sharing with othersFind out more
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Impact Story
Asra's story: the power of persistence
With the persistent support of her volunteer, Asra is developing the confidence to engage with text, to make connections, and to find joy in storiesFind out more
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Impact Story
A second year of growth: Ryan's reading journey
Our first longitudinal study tracks Ryan's progress with Chapter One from Year 1 (2023-24) to Year 2 (2024-25)Find out more
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Impact Story
A reader begins to shine: Rohan's story
"He beams with confidence now"Find out more
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Impact Story
Stories that spark: Harper's journey
Chapter One has given Harper, a year 2 pupil in Middlesbrough, “that real love for reading”Find out more
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News
Businesses find a new way to boost children’s literacy in Birmingham
Literacy charity Chapter One has launched its unique Online Reading Volunteers Programme in primary schools in the Birmingham and Solihull areaFind out more
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News
Chapter One wins Enabling Technology Award at the Social Value Awards
At Chapter One, we have found a way to use technology to enable human connection and deliver social value in areas of deprivationFind out more
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Impact Story
The value of targeted support: Chapter One and Stop Hunger Foundation case studies
How Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation is supporting Chapter One children across the UKFind out more
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Impact Story
From struggling to confident reader: Anisa's story
Chapter One has transformed Anisa, a pupil at one of our Bradford schools, into a confident reader.Find out more
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Research & Evidence
Research highlights the importance of multiple 'reading influencers'
The more people in a child's life who are involved in influencing their reading, the more likely the child is to enjoy reading independentlyFind out more
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News
Webinar: What's the true measure of social impact?
Watch back our webinar marking World Youth Skills DayFind out more
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Teacher spotlight
Teacher spotlight on David Taylor, year 1 teacher at Horton Grange Primary School, Bradford
"I think the volunteers should know just how much of a difference they are making to these children’s lives."Find out more
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Inspiring young dreams: how business can help
How can we support children from lower socio-economic groups to have greater aspirations in life?Find out more
