The boys’ colourful and inventive costumes stood out even more than normal - proudly displayed during the morning’s costume parade - and old favourites sat alongside innovations to keep the day varied and interesting. The morning’s assembly presented the boys with some interesting statistics (longest novel? Over two million words; shortest? Six - depending on how you define ‘novel’). The conclusion we came to was familiar, but one worth reiterating: reading improves our academic performance and our chances of gainful employment (and contribution to the economy) - and, fundamentally, it makes us happier.

Over the course of the day, the library was abuzz with class quizzes during lessons and further activities at break and lunchtimes. Georgina Atwell very kindly put together a guide to the favourite books of NCS boys and staff, and took the lead in organising an after-school book-swap, which generated valuable resources for local literacy charities.