This week, Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust is delighted to celebrate National Storytelling Week 2026, an annual celebration led by The Society for Storytelling. You can find more information about the national campaign here: https://www.sfs.org.uk/nsw/
The theme for this year is “Speaking Story into the Darkness” – a powerful reminder of the light, hope and connection that stories can bring to our lives and communities. Whether you are a seasoned storyteller, an enthusiastic listener, or someone discovering the magic of narrative for the first time, this week invites us all to make space for stories.
Why We Celebrate Stories at Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust
At BHCET, we recognise the enormous value of reading and storytelling at every stage of life. From our youngest learners aged two, who are just beginning to explore the wonder of books, to our oldest students at 18, who use stories to broaden perspectives, deepen understanding and inspire creativity – storytelling helps shape who we are.
Why Stories Matter
Stories connect us.
When we tell stories, we share a part of ourselves and invite others to do the same. They allow us to celebrate both our similarities and our differences.
- Folk and fairy tales, myths, and legends from around the world carry timeless, universal themes while also showcasing the unique beauty of each culture.
- The everyday stories we share – a funny moment at school, a memory passed down from a family member, a special tradition or a defining life event – are just as meaningful. These personal narratives shape our identity, strengthen relationships and help us build empathy for others.
Our School Libraries: Spaces Where Stories Come Alive
Across our Trust, we are proud to have some truly amazing school libraries. These spaces offer pupils a peaceful environment to read, reflect, explore ideas and learn independently. They are safe, calm and inspiring places where children can lose themselves in a story, find new interests, or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of a good book.
Many of our libraries also include cosy areas where pupils can share stories with one another, talk about what they are reading, and celebrate books as a community.
These libraries play a central role in our commitment to nurturing a lifelong love of reading.
A Week to Immerse Ourselves in Story
Throughout the week, our schools will be embracing the theme by creating opportunities for pupils and staff to tell, share and listen to stories in all their forms. Whether through reading sessions, drama activities, storytelling, creative writing or simply taking a moment to swap a favourite tale with a friend, we encourage everyone to take part.
By “speaking story into the darkness,” we shine light into the spaces where imagination, understanding and connection can flourish.
