Abbey Woods Academy in Berinsfield, part of Anthem Schools Trust, has won funding to run a literary initiative designed to develop a love of reading

Abbey Woods pupils are taking part in the 'Spellbound Schools' partnership with the Story Museum in Oxford, allowing them to enjoy a range of immersive storytelling opportunities.

Pupils will now get to visit The Story Museum for free, with their transport also paid for, experiencing worlds and objects from children’s literature.

Earlier this month, students in Years 3 to 6 attended a session aimed at enhancing their language abilities, engaging in social activities and exploring literary and cultural heritage.

Some children even had the chance to write a story sitting at the actual desk owned by CS Lewis, author of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

In addition to museum visits, as a Spellbound School, Abbey Woods will also receive extra support with reading for particular groups of children, additional training for teachers, and workshops delivered by visiting museum staff.

Sophie Charter, headteacher at Abbey Woods Academy, said: "Collaborating closely with The Story Museum has been wonderful; our students thoroughly enjoyed their visit, and this partnership has truly sparked their enthusiasm for reading.

"Books offer children a wealth of knowledge and transport them to different worlds. They help children broaden their understanding and empathy by seeing the world from various viewpoints.