At the same moment across all QUEST Trust schools, from Early Years through to Sixth Form, lessons paused as children and young people immersed themselves in a shared reading experience. This collective moment highlighted the Trust’s commitment to nurturing a love of reading at every stage of education.

Pupils enjoyed a range of recorded story sessions read by members of the QUEST Trust Central Team, including Trust CEO Marc Doyle, who shared the much-loved Mr Messy: Messing Around in the Snow. The Trust CFOO and Directors also took part, recording their favourite children’s stories and reinforcing the message that reading is valued and championed at every level of the organisation.

While the event celebrated National Storytelling Week, it also held deeper meaning. The Drop and Read took place on 5th February in loving memory of Julie Bramhall, a much-missed former Assistant Principal who sadly passed away on this date in 2021. Julie passionately believed in the power of stories to bring comfort, connection, and joy — values that continue to shape the Trust’s reading culture.

In January 2025, QUEST Trust launched Bramhall’s Reading Ambassadors across its schools in Julie’s honour. These pupils play a vital role in promoting a love of reading, inspiring their peers, and uniting the Trust community through shared stories and reading experiences.

QUEST Trust looks forward to continuing this journey, with further reading celebrations planned throughout the year, including the upcoming World Book Day. Through events like these, the Trust reaffirms its belief that stories have the power to connect us all.