Exeter Students Kick Off Year of Reading with Top Author

Year 8 students from West Exe Schoolmarked the start of the National Year of Reading 2026 with an inspiring live session from children’s author Tom Palmer.

During the event, students heard about Tom’s writing journey, gained insights into his storytelling process, and learned how to turn their own passions and interests into engaging stories. The session encouraged confidence, creativity, and a love of reading and writing among pupils.

Tom Palmer, bestselling author of theFootball Academy and Foul Play series, captivated students with his energy and enthusiasm, motivating them to explore their own creativity.

West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, places a strong focus on literacy and developing confident, creative writers, giving students opportunities to engage with authors and real-world experiences that bring learning to life. 

The session with Tom Palmer also links directly to the school’s English curriculum, which aims to develop students into thoughtful readers, writers, speakers, and critical thinkers. Pupils explore literature in depth, consider the historical, social, and cultural contexts behind texts, and are encouraged to express ideas with clarity and confidence.

Julie Fossey, headteacher at West Exe School, said:

“It was a joy to see our students so inspired. Sessions like this bring reading and writing to life, helping pupils connect their classroom learning with real-world creativity and giving them the confidence to explore their own ideas. It’s going to be a really exciting year.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“We’re delighted to see students inspired by authors like Tom Palmer. Experiences like this open up possibilities, spark imagination, and show young people just how far their creativity and ideas can take them.”