A crop of sixth formers have completed training to become “reading mentors” to kids at Hackney primary schools.

Our Lady’s Convent High School has teamed up with national reading charity Beanstalk to develop a new scheme called ReadUp.

The programme trains students to become accredited reading volunteers.

With increasing demand in primary schools for reading support, a pilot was started between William Patten Primary School and the all-girls secondary school last year.

The primary school’s head Karen Law said: “We are delighted to be part of the project.

“Our children have benefited hugely from having one-on-one attention in a reading activity.”