We are delighted to introduce our Patron of Reading for 2026–27, author Jennifer Burkinshaw.

During this National Year of Reading, we are thrilled to be working with Jennifer as she inspires our students to discover a lifelong love of reading over the coming academic year.

At our annual Reading Celebration Assembly, we were proud to introduce Jennifer to our students in her new role as Patron of Reading. As our special guest, Jennifer presented awards to students who successfully completed our Key Stage 3 Reading Challenge, a programme they have been working towards since September. She also presented the Top in Year Awards to our outstanding readers in Years 7, 8 and 9.

It was wonderful to celebrate the achievements of so many students and recognise the fantastic reading commitment shown across the College this year. Seeing so many young people rewarded for their enthusiasm and dedication to reading made for a truly memorable occasion.

Jennifer spoke to students about the importance of reading, sharing her own passion for books and storytelling. As a passionate advocate for reading, she is looking forward to working with our students over the coming year, encouraging them to explore new books, discover new authors and develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

Throughout the year, Jennifer will work closely with students through workshops and book discussions. As our Patron of Reading, she will help inspire a reading culture across the College, encouraging students to read for pleasure, broaden their horizons and discover the confidence and enjoyment that reading can bring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It is an utter privilege for me to take on this role of patron of reading at the college.

Since my own childhood, reading has been a lifeline to me so I would love to share my love of books with students, building on the excellent work the College already does of encouraging reading for pleasure. I see my role as a dialogue in which I listen to what the girls are both reading and would like to read and in return offer some suggestions about how they can find books they will love. In addition, I would like to use my experience as an author to continue to support creative writing in college.”

Jennifer Burkinshaw

“As we celebrate the National Year of Reading, we look forward to sharing an exciting year of events with Jennifer that will inspire students to see reading as something to enjoy, not just something they do in the classroom. Reading has the power to open doors, spark curiosity, build confidence and broaden horizons, and we are passionate about creating a culture where every student can find books they enjoy. We are delighted to welcome Jennifer as our Patron of Reading and look forward to the inspiration, creativity and enthusiasm she will bring to our school community throughout the year.”

Mrs L Williams, Librarian

 

About Jennifer Burkinshaw

After studying English and Classics at Robinson College, Cambridge, Jennifer taught English and Drama for twenty years in schools across Bradford, Paris and Derbyshire.

In her early forties, she decided to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer, completing an MA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults at Manchester Metropolitan University before being mentored through the Golden Egg Academy.

Jennifer's debut young adult novel, Igloo, was published by Beaten Track Publishing in November 2022 and went on to win the Grand Prize at the Eyelands International Book Awards in 2023. Her second novel, Happiness Seeker, was published in November 2023 and was shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award in the Young Adult/Children's category in 2024.

When she isn't reading or writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time in the mountains or by the sea, and making memories with her growing family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are delighted to welcome Jennifer to our College community and look forward to an inspiring year of reading together.