This is Lit
Creating a new chapter for GCSE English
In 2026, we’ve launched This is Lit, a new book club designed to celebrate the best of 21st century literature during The National Year of Reading 2026.
As the government announces plans for curriculum reform, it is the perfect time to explore a new chapter for GCSE English and to discover contemporary British writers whose work could shape the subject for years to come.
Register your interest
How to get involved
The This is Lit book club is open to all secondary schools and colleges. You don’t need to be a registered book club member to take part — you can still read along, use our resources with your students and join the wider conversation about reading for pleasure and GCSE English Literature.
Whether you’re running a full book club or dipping in with a class, you and your learners are warmly invited to get involved and share your views.
Our current read: Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald
Our current book is Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald: a powerful contemporary novel that explores friendship, identity and hope. Schools across the UK are reading the book with their students and using it as the starting point for rich discussion and reflection.
To support you, we’ve created a set of free, downloadable resources you can use flexibly in the classroom or as part of a book club.
Discussion guide
A teacher-friendly guide designed to support inclusive, thoughtful conversations about Glasgow Boys, with prompts for before, during and after reading.
Review templates (teacher and student versions)
Use these templates to capture students’ responses to the book. Reviews can be written or recorded in other formats and shared with us to help shape the future of GCSE English Literature.
Download teacher review template Download student review template
Why take part in This is Lit?
It’s time for GCSE English to turn the page onto a broader, more inclusive selection of texts. By taking part in This is Lit, you and your students will play a key role in influencing a new, contemporary ‘canon' – one that reflects the interests, experiences and aspirations of today’s learners.
Together, we can evolve GCSE English to reflect the richness of today’s literature and reignite a love of reading in your students.
Influence the future
Your insights will guide which texts could become part of future GCSE English qualifications.
Champion diversity
Help us create a contemporary canon which includes diverse voices and perspectives.
Inspire a love of reading
Together, we can make literature relevant, exciting, and alive for students.
We are proud to support the National Year of Reading 2026.
Stay up to date
We're committed to offering ways for every school to get involved in This is Lit. Throughout 2026, we'll be sharing:
- Discussion guides and review templates to support rich, book club style conversations in your school.
- Online event and opportunities to join conversations about contemporary texts.
- Regular updates on how students and teachers across the country are responding to our chosen reads.
Register your interest below to stay up to date on the latest news and updates.