Come to RTRP for a hive mind of best practice, a constellation of sparkling YA books and excellent snacks!EMC Participant 2025-26
RTRP is having the conversations every English teacher needs. Most important of all, it is a hub of community, humour and joy.EMC Participant 2025-26
Are you passionate about promoting reading for pleasure and looking to expand your knowledge of children’s and YA literature? Why not join our friendly and supportive group, now in its sixth year.
Set up in 2016, Cheltenham Festivals’ RTRP is a national network of teachers’ reading groups which aims to inspire reading for pleasure. EMC is delighted once again to be hosting a secondary RTRP programme as an Independent Partner.
What does RTRP involve?
Five books are chosen from a longlist of recently published and classic children’s/YA literature by a panel of experts.
During the year, groups of teachers and school librarians across the UK meet to talk about each book. Discussion focuses on personal responses, followed by ideas for sharing the book with pupils. Teachers receive a free copy of each of the five titles and access to national RTRP events such as a live Q&A with one of the authors.
RTRP is FREE to attend.
You can find out more at www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/rtrp
‘Opens a whole new world of YA! Fantastic book talk that always generates practical ideas for use in school.’EMC Participant 2025-26
EMC’s RTRP programme
We meet in-person on Tuesdays from 4.30-6.00pm at The English and Media Centre, 44 Webber Street, London, SE1 8QW (dates below).
If the Centre is not easy for you to get to after school, have a look on the Cheltenham Festivals RTRP website to see if there is a group running near you, or find out how to set up your own.
The discussion is always enlightening and friendly and Kate organises the sessions with a structure that is relaxed, but makes us think about the books in different ways.EMC Participant 2025-26
Apply for a place on the EMC programme 2025-26
The group is limited to 15 participants. To include as many schools as possible, places are limited to two participants per school. This may include one KS3 English teacher and one librarian or two KS3 English teachers. If you’ve taken part before, you’re welcome to apply again.
The group is free to attend and the books will be provided. Your commitment: read the five books; attend all seven sessions. Please check you can attend on all the dates, below, before applying.
Applications for the Reading Teachers = Reading Pupils programme for 2026-27 is now open.
Applicants will hear by Tuesday 28th September whether their application has been successful.
Our launch is on Tuesday 13th
To apply for a place in the EMC group, click here for an application form.
If you have any questions, please email Kate.
An excellent space to educate yourself about YA fiction, but also a community of like-minded English teachers who will re-invigorate your love for teaching the subject with lots of great ideas for you to take back to your classroom.EMC Participant 2025-26
The RTRP Calendar
Launch event
Tuesday 13th October 2026
Book talk meetings:
- Tuesday 8th December 2026 – Book 1
- Tuesday 19th January 2027 – Book 2
- Tuesday 2nd March 2027 – Book 3
- Tuesday 13th April 2027 – Book 4
- Tuesday 15th June 2027 – Book 5
Sharing session
- Tuesday 6th July 2027
I love the books, I love the book chat with other teachers and librarians, I love the book chat with young people afterwards.EMC Participant 2025-26
RTRP has been really central to giving me the confidence to make change in my school.EMC Participant 2025-26