2026 is the National Year of Reading. I wholeheartedly support this. Reading is at the heart of learning as well as being a great way to relax.
Our library is very much at the heart of the school and is ably led by our Librarian, Beth Vale. I enjoy introducing Beth to prospective students and families, and they are always impressed by the range of the activities in the library. It is a great place for Sixth Form students to work together, and such collaborative learning is so valuable.
I am astounded that many schools do not have libraries. Several years ago, I was asked to support a large secondary school which had closed its library and replaced it with an isolation room. I understand that there is no legal obligation for schools to have libraries, although it is compulsory for prisons!
I’m proud of our Library and all the wonderful opportunities that it supports. We regularly welcome guest authors, and all younger students enjoy dedicated lessons and activities there. Some of our readers benefit from paired reading, working with Sixth Form students.
Over Easter I read Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. In my view this was well informed with evidence and arguments about the harm caused by ‘smart’ phones. This supports our smart phone free school which gives our students space to learn, think, as well as to socialise.
Following this, I made good progress with Andrew Robert’s Churchill: Walking with Destiny. An epic account of a remarkable life. Winston Churchill was renowned for his own book writing. During his life Churchill made many mistakes but he always learnt from them. More importantly, he displayed courage and this is undoubtedly his key attribute.
As the National Year of Reading continues, we will have the courage to develop the school, including its library, constructively. All of us should have the courage to read and read more. Good things will follow.
Philip Hurst, Headteacher, Thomas Mills High School & Sixth Form