On Friday 3rd of July, Experian will be giving away hundreds of free books to children in Bermondsey at Albion Primary School, helping to inspire a love of reading among local families. Aimed at children aged three to ten, the initiative sought to encourage early reading habits within the community, following data that shows that almost two-fifths of pupils (37%) do not meet expected standards in reading, writing and maths.
The book giveaway forms part of a nationwide Experian campaign designed to highlight the vital role reading plays in developing children’s literacy skills from an early age, and the long‑term benefits this can have on financial capability later in life. Experian data suggests a link between literacy levels and future financial outcomes. Currently, 38.5% of students at Albion Primary School are eligible for free school meals – compared to a nationwide average of 26.5% – indicating a community need for free reading materials. The initiative reinforces the importance of early intervention to support both educational and financial wellbeing.
Research carried out by the National Literacy Trust also shows children with strong reading skills are four times more likely to have good financial skills than those with poor literacy (35.6% vs 8.8%), and children who have a lower reading ability are more than six times more likely to have lower financial capability.
Earlier this year, Alesha Dixon launched The Library of No Returns in Walsall – a community space created by Experian and the National Literacy Trust. The pop-up was a fairytale-inspired wonderland designed to spark excitement around reading, remove barriers to books, by creating a storytelling environment that inspires families to enjoy reading at an early age.
A mobile, Library of No Returns will now be touring the UK, seeing more than 5,000 books distributed to communities with lower literacy levels, with further book drops planned in Stoke, Bradford and Merthyr Tydfil.
The impact is visible across age groups. Young adults aged 18–20 in Southwark have an average credit score of just 735, well below the national average for that age group (752), a gap that reflects the lasting financial consequences of early literacy disadvantage.
John Webb, Head of Consumer Affairs at Experian UK&I, said: “People often think of literacy and financial wellbeing as separate issues, but they are closely connected. If children are supported to build strong reading skills early on, they are better placed to understand the world around them, make informed decisions and feel confident managing money later in life.
“At Experian, we’re committed to helping people build their financial confidence so that they’re better equipped to make smart money moves. That starts with understanding that shapes financial confidence in the first place. Through our partnership with the National Literacy Trust, we want to help more children access books, enjoy reading and build foundations that can open up better opportunities in the future.”
A supporting donation drive will also run through The Big Give, with Experian matching donations to raise further funds for the National Literacy Trust’s work in communities that need it most.
