A Summer of Reading Awaits

A Summer of Reading Awaits

21st July 2026

As the summer holiday begins, there is no better time to slow down, switch off from screens and lose yourself in a great book. Whether it's discovering a new favourite author, revisiting a much-loved classic, or reading the latest edition of The Crown, summer offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy reading for pleasure.

This year, we are delighted to share the Summer Editions of The Crown for both our Junior and Senior Schools, alongside our brand-new Junior and Senior Summer Extension Reading Lists. Together, they celebrate the creativity, curiosity and love of learning that define life at St Margaret's. Scroll down to discover a summer of reading!

Junior Crown Summer Edition 2026

The Crown Summer Edition 2026

Summer Extension Reading Lists

Alongside The Crown, our Junior and Senior Summer Extension Reading Lists offer carefully selected recommendations to inspire readers of every age. The Junior list introduces younger readers to award-winning picture books, adventures, historical stories and non-fiction titles designed to spark imagination and nurture a lifelong love of books.

For Senior pupils, the reading lists include a wide variety of contemporary fiction, classics, non-fiction and thought-provoking texts, with recommendations aligned to Accelerated Reader levels where appropriate. Families are encouraged to explore titles together and choose books that suit each child's interests and reading confidence.

Summer Reading for Wellbeing

Reading is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support children's wellbeing and development during the holidays. Just six minutes of reading can reduce more stress than listening to music or going for a walk and young people who enjoy reading are three times more likely to report high mental wellbeing.

Whether reading by the pool, in the garden, on holiday or curled up at home on a rainy afternoon, we hope every pupil discovers something that captures their imagination this summer.

We encourage all families to explore this year's editions of The Crown, browse our Summer Extension Reading Lists and enjoy the many adventures that only a good book can provide.