BWCET schools celebrate World Book Day with inspiring literary events
Schools across Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust (BWCET) came together for a vibrant celebration of World Book Day, immersing students in a day filled with inspiring literary events and exciting author interactions.
A celebration of reading across the trust
As part of the Trust’s ‘Between the Pages’ initiative, this year’s event built on past successes, incorporating high-quality texts and world-renowned authors to ignite a love of reading among students. Spanning 48 schools, the event connected students with 12 acclaimed authors, both national and local, whose works feature in the curriculum.
To maximise participation, the Trust live-streamed the day’s events on its YouTube channel, allowing schools to join the sessions in real time or watch recordings later. Hosted by Martin Gray, Headteacher at St Matthew’s, Prudhoe, the live broadcast ensured every student had access to an unforgettable literary experience.
Bringing books to life with acclaimed authors
The event was deeply rooted in BWCET’s bespoke English curriculum, with the texts currently being studied taking centre stage. Among the notable contributors:
- Mitch Johnson, author of Kick (studied in Year 6), engaged students with exclusive insights into his upcoming book.
- Barbara Henderson, writer of The Chessmen Thief (studied in Year 5), brought historical fiction to life.
- Robert Tregoning, a former student of St Bede’s Catholic Sixth Form College, shared his writing journey alongside illustrator Stef Murphy.
Interactive workshops and engaging discussions
A key highlight of the day was the interactive workshops, where students explored storytelling and illustration with industry experts.
- Nick Sharratt, acclaimed illustrator of Shark in the Park and You Choose, led an exciting draw-along session for younger pupils.
- Joanna Nadin, returning for her third year, captivated students with insights into her beloved books.
- Ross Welford, celebrated for The Worst Class in the World and The Time Travelling Tortoise, engaged students in lively discussions about his imaginative stories.
A passion for literature that lasts beyond the day
Reflecting on the event’s success, Nick Hurn OBE, CEO of BWCET, praised the initiative, saying: ““World Book Day is an important celebration across our Trust, fostering a deep love of reading and storytelling. Seeing our students engage with inspiring authors and illustrators is incredibly rewarding, and we are proud to support and nurture their passion for literature.”
With an engaging mix of live discussions, author Q&As, and interactive sessions, BWCET’s World Book Day 2025 was a resounding success—one that will continue to inspire a love of reading for years to come.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Seeing our region’s schools come together to engage with incredible authors, illustrators, and storytellers is truly special. This initiative not only celebrates the power of books but also promotes creativity, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for storytelling.
“A huge well done to everyone involved in making this such a memorable and impactful event!”
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