The National Literacy Trust
We are an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We improve reading, writing, speaking and listening in communities where poverty is on the increase and literacy levels are low. Our research and analysis make us the leading authority on literacy and drive our interventions. Our work is focused on critical moments in literacy development when we can make the greatest impact.
Activities & Mission
We are an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We improve reading, writing, speaking and listening in communities where poverty is on the increase and literacy levels are low. Our research and analysis make us the leading authority on literacy and drive our interventions. Our work is focused on critical moments in literacy development when we can make the greatest impact.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 60% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample: 125). How is this calculated?
Higher than 41% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 27% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £14,270,653 | £14,396,859 | £13,047,761 | £3,704,462 | £512,975 | 202 / 1400 |
| 2024 | £12,050,441 | £12,565,119 | £11,341,490 | £3,830,668 | £429,611 | 178 / 1260 |
| 2023 | £10,529,351 | £10,938,045 | £9,986,534 | £4,345,346 | £731,896 | 145 / 640 |
| 2022 | £9,067,018 | £7,242,754 | £6,437,997 | £4,754,040 | £736,368 | 112 / 620 |
| 2021 | £7,083,885 | £6,387,390 | £5,604,995 | £2,929,776 | £432,659 | 109 / 462 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The National Literacy Trust
What does The National Literacy Trust do?
We are an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We improve reading, writing, speaking and listening in communities where poverty is on the increase and literacy levels are low. Our research and analysis make us the leading authority on literacy and drive our interventions. Our work is focused on critical moments in literacy development when we can make the greatest impact.
How much income did The National Literacy Trust report in 2025?
The National Literacy Trust reported total income of £14.27m and reported expenditure of £14.40m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The National Literacy Trust?
The National Literacy Trust has a program ratio of 91.4%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 60% of UK Arts charities with income over £10M (sample of 125 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The National Literacy Trust registered as a charity?
The National Literacy Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 3 October 2006 as charity number 1116260. It has been registered for 20 years.
Who runs The National Literacy Trust?
The National Literacy Trust is governed by a board of 11 trustees. The chair of trustees is Joanna Prior. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The National Literacy Trust operate?
The National Literacy Trust operates across 2 areas: Scotland and England And Wales.
Is The National Literacy Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1116260.
Details
1ST FLOOR
68 SOUTH LAMBETH ROAD
LONDON
SW8 1RL
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
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Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated