New Road pupils to judge the 2025 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize

As part of this exciting opportunity, the school has received a complimentary set of the six shortlisted STEM books for children, along with a special pack of Royal Society posters, bookmarks, and judging materials.

Guided by teachers and the Panel Leader, the pupils will carefully review each book to ensure it is suitable for their age group, evaluating the books on content, accessibility, and engagement. Their participation will give these young readers a unique voice in celebrating excellence in STEM literature.

Beyond enriching the school’s growing collection of STEM-focused non-fiction, the initiative will help the fourteen pupils involved develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

Rob Litten, Executive Headteacher at New Road, said: “Being involved in initiatives like this encourages curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, helping to make these subjects exciting and accessible. We are incredibly proud to see our pupils taking part in this national initiative and look forward to seeing how their insights and enthusiasm contribute to the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize.”

Reading and phonics lie at the heart of the curriculum at New Road. From the very start of their educational journey, pupils are encouraged to engage with a wide range of texts, from classic stories to modern non-fiction, developing comprehension, inference, and analytical skills. In Reception, children learn to identify sounds, blend letters into words, and build confidence in decoding unfamiliar words, helping pupils to enjoy books both independently and collaboratively. Across all year groups, pupils are also supported to discuss and evaluate books, giving them the knowledge and confidence to engage deeply with what they read.

Rachel Mason, Chief Operating Officer at Aspire Learning Trust, added: “It is wonderful to see such enthusiasm for STEM across the school. Earlier this year, Aspire Learning Trust invested in previous Royal Society STEM nominations and prize-winning titles to enrich school libraries across the Trust, ensuring pupils continue to have access to high-quality, inspiring non-fiction resources.”

New Road’s English curriculum instils a strong literacy foundation in its pupils, and their participation in judging the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize demonstrates the school’s commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in every child.

For more information about New Road Primary School, visit: https://www.newroadprimary.com/

For more information about Aspire Learning Trust, visit: https://www.aspirelearningtrust-cambs.co.uk/