Audiobooks help engagement and reading enjoyment

Recent UK research shows more children now enjoy listening to audiobooks and audio content than traditional reading for pleasure, with over 40% of kids reporting enjoyment of audio vs lower enjoyment of reading. Listening can act as a gateway into reading.

Furthermore a significant number of children said that listening to audio sparked their interest in reading books.

This counters the idea that audiobooks replace reading - instead, use them to enhance motivation and access. Audiobooks count.

One of the core messages of the National Year of Reading is that reading comes in many forms. Whether a child is listening to an audiobook, enjoying a comic, reading a magazine or following lyrics to their favourite songs, they are engaging with stories and language. Recognising these different pathways into reading helps more children see themselves as readers.

Audio isn’t just fun - it supports learning

It helps develop vocabulary, comprehension and imagination. It models fluent reading and expression, which can improve students’ own reading skills. And critically audio supports learners who struggle with decoding text. Children with dyslexia. Children with English as a second language.

For pupils who find traditional texts hard to access - whether due to reading confidence, special educational needs, or language barriers - audio can level the playing field and ensure every student can engage with the same rich content.

Benefits for Schools & Learners

Used thoughtfully, audiobooks and audio storytelling can play a powerful role in supporting literacy and learning in schools. Audio can boost engagement and enjoyment, particularly for pupils who may feel less confident with print, helping to reframe reading as a positive and accessible experience. Listening to high-quality narration supports comprehension, vocabulary development and understanding of language patterns, while also modelling fluent reading.

Audio is especially valuable for reluctant readers, struggling readers and pupils with English as an additional language, enabling them to access age-appropriate texts and participate fully in shared reading experiences.

Regular listening helps pupils develop listening skills, concentration and fluency, and when used alongside print books, audio complements classroom discussion, deepens understanding and encourages richer responses to texts.

How Schools Can Use Audio

Audiobooks and spoken-word content can be used flexibly across the school day to support reading, learning and wellbeing. Whole-class listening sessions, such as shared storytime or listening to a chapter together, help build a collective reading experience and support comprehension, vocabulary and discussion, particularly in English lessons.

Independent listening stations or reading corners give pupils the chance to access stories at their own pace.. Pairing audio with print copies allows children to listen while following the text, reinforcing word recognition, fluency and confidence.

Beyond the classroom, homework or library listening clubs can extend reading for pleasure beyond school hours and encourage family engagement. Audio also supports learning across the curriculum, from developing empathy and emotional literacy in PSHE, to improving listening skills in languages and enriching topic work in history and science.

Literacy advocates have encouraged schools to embrace audio formats as part of broad literacy provision and curriculum reviews. Even if audio isn’t mandated, many schools use it as part of reading for pleasure, guided reading and cross-curricular enrichment.

Audio Platforms Explained for Schools

Below is a clear, school-focused breakdown of how each of these audio platforms works, what they’re best for, and whether they’re suitable for UK schools.

Sora

Sora is a student reading app designed specifically for schools, powered by OverDrive. Pupils can borrow audiobooks and ebooks using their school login.

How it works in schools

  • Built for schools (GDPR-safe, classroom-friendly)
  • Strong accessibility features
  • Excellent for reluctant and struggling readers
  • Works well with school libraries
  • Schools purchase or are allocated audiobook licences
  • Students log in via school credentials
  • Titles auto-return (no late fees)
  • Teachers can assign reading and track engagement

To find out more: soraapp.com

BorrowBox and Libby

BorrowBox and Libby are library-run digital lending services offering audiobooks and ebooks to library members.

How it works in schools

  • Free for families
  • Pupils need a local library card
  • High-quality audiobook catalogue
  • Schools can promote BorrowBox to families
  • Teachers can recommend titles (but can’t assign)

To find out more: borrowbox.com or Libbyapp.com

Listening Books

Listening Books is a UK audiobook charity dedicated to making reading accessible for anyone whose illness, disability, learning difficulty or mental health condition affects their ability to read or hold printed books. Its extensive online collection includes thousands of audiobooks - from children’s fiction and non-fiction to curriculum-relevant texts such as set texts, topic work books and study guides - suitable for learners aged 7 and up.

How it works in schools

  • Schools can take out a subsidised membership (from around £125 per year) and nominate pupils to access Listening Books both at school and at home.
  • Teachers get access to a dashboard where they can assign audiobooks, monitor use and explore the catalogue.
  • Membership includes a wide range of fiction, nonfiction and National Curriculum-aligned titles from Key Stage 2 through to A-Level. Schools can also opt in to give pupils access to thousands of newspapers and magazines at no extra cost.

To find out more: listening-books.org.uk

Calibre Audio

A UK charity providing free audiobooks to children and adults who cannot access print due to conditions such as dyslexia, visual impairment, or physical disability.

How it works in schools

  • Schools register eligible pupils for whom it’s free
  • Pupils access audiobooks online or via app
  • Strong KS2–KS4 fiction and classics
  • Highly inclusive

To find out more: calibreaudio.org.uk

Spotify

A commercial streaming platform with podcasts, audiobooks (paid), and audio storytelling.

How it works in schools

  • Teachers curate playlists (podcasts, stories)
  • Huge podcast library (including education)
  • Great for short listening activities
  • Often used via teacher accounts
  • Audiobooks require paid subscriptions

To find out more: support.spotify.com/uk/article/spotify-public-commercial-use/ and further info here.

Storynory

A free, ad-free site offering original stories, myths, fairy tales and classics, read aloud; a great primary resource.

How it works in schools

  • Completely free
  • Child-appropriate and safe
  • Great for listening comprehension
  • No login required
  • Teachers play stories in class
  • Ideal for EYFS and KS1/2

To find out more: storynory.com

Yoto Player 3rd Generation & Related Devices  Yoto for Schools

Yoto is a screen-free audio platform for children built around physical audio cards that play stories, music, podcasts and learning content when inserted into a dedicated audio player. The system is designed to be intuitive and safe for young listeners (no camera, ads or internet distractions), helping to foster independence, listening skills and imaginative engagement.

There are two main players - the full-size Yoto Player and the portable Yoto Mini 2024 Edition Player - and a growing library of cards with curriculum-friendly content such as phonics, facts and stories. Teachers can also use “Make Your Own” cards to record bespoke audio lessons or pupils’ work.

How it works in schools

  • Classrooms can use Yoto devices for independent listening stations, group storytelling and guided audio activities.
  • Pupils simply place a Yoto card into the player to begin listening
  • No screens, log-ins or complex menus, which makes the system ideal for early years and KS1 settings.
  • Teachers can supplement the library with custom audio cards created via the Yoto app to support lesson content, phonics practice or pupil voice projects.
  • Offers education-focused content and discounts for schools, and many teachers use the platform to encourage curiosity, build vocabulary and support inclusive learning.

To find out more: https://uk.yotoplay.com/

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