Library and Learning Resources Centre (LRC)
Library and Learning Resources Centre (LRC)
The Library and Learning Resources Centre (LRC) lies at the heart of Sutton High School’s Senior community — a vibrant, inclusive space where reading, research, and creativity come together. Open before and after school, the Library provides an inspiring environment for exploration, reflection, and discovery.
Student Testimonials: “Our library is a place where the magic happens.” – Year 7 student, “Our library is more than a library; it is a place of wonders.” – Year 8 student, “The best place in the whole school!” – Year 9 student, “A place to escape and unwind.” – Year 12 student
Opening Hours
Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Students are welcome to visit before school, during break and lunchtime, or after school to read, borrow books, study, and engage in the many activities and events that take place throughout the year.
A Library for Every Reader
Our Library offers a rich and diverse collection designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading.
Collections include fiction and non-fiction across every subject and genre, with special sections such as the Helena McMorran Library for Neurodiversity, Poetry, Biographies, and World Literature.
We offer inclusive formats including graphic novels, manga, large-print editions, and Barrington Stoke dyslexia-friendly titles. Books are organised by age for easy browsing, and our non-fiction and careers resources link academic study with future pathways.
Reading Programmes and Awards
Reading at Sutton High School evolves with every stage of a student’s journey.
Year 7 – BookTrust BookBuzz and GDST Book Award (Junior): introducing students to contemporary and classic fiction with free books and group reading experiences during the Autumn Term GDST Junior Book Award Longlist 2025-26.pdf
Year 8 – GDST Book Award (Senior) and Excelsior Award: engaging students in reading, reviewing, and discussion across the GDST network GDST Senior Book Award Longlist 2025-26.pdf
Year 9 – Carnegie Medal: participation in national reading and shadowing programmes
Years 10–11: access to revision resources, academic non-fiction, and literature to support GCSE study
Years 12–13: wider reading guidance for academic research, university preparation, and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) work
Every year, we host author visits, book clubs, and creative reading activities to make reading accessible, engaging, and fun.
Reading in Every Format
Our digital platforms ensure reading is accessible to all students, anywhere and at any time.
- Oliver Library Catalogue: our searchable system for browsing and reserving titles
- Sora eBooks and Audiobooks: thousands of digital titles available for online or offline reading
- Listening Books: supporting English studies and accessibility upon approval by the Neurodiversity Team
- ESL-Bits.eu: paired eBooks and audiobooks offering classic literature and English texts for learners of English
As a Microsoft School, we also integrate tools such as Immersive Reader, Read Aloud, and Reading Coach to support literacy, language development, and accessibility.
Beyond the Bookshelves
Our Library and LRC are lively, creative hubs that connect reading with real-world learning, wellbeing, and imagination.
Students take part in activities such as:
- Author visits and illustrator workshops, including events with Katherine Rundell, Chrissie Keighery, and Kei Kutsuwada
- Online webinars with writers, publishers, and creative professionals
- Reading-themed projects using Minecraft Education and storytelling tools
- Bookish crafts, puzzles, and themed displays linked to literature, wellbeing, and sustainability
- Celebrations of reading through our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) calendar, highlighting literature from a wide range of voices and cultures
Our Community and GDST Collaboration
We are proud to play an active role within the wider GDST community and beyond.
The Library contributes to the GDST Book Award initiative, supports network-wide reading projects, and shares resources and good practice across schools.
We also extend our passion for reading to the wider community by welcoming visits from Robin Hood Primary School and offering GDST Book Tours that promote access, collaboration, and a love of literature among younger readers.
Our Library continues to explore opportunities to connect with local schools and families through events, displays, and shared celebrations of books and storytelling.
Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability is central to our ethos. We rehome and donate surplus books, repurpose old materials through creative upcycling, and promote digital reading to reduce paper use.
Our bookish crafts and themed projects often incorporate recycled materials, linking creativity to environmental awareness.
Reading Consent Form
As part of our commitment to inclusive and responsible access to literature, parents are invited to complete our Parental Consent Form for Reading Above Age Level. This ensures that students can explore books that match their maturity and interests while supporting parents in guiding their daughter’s reading journey. The form helps us personalise recommendations and maintain appropriate access for each student.
A Culture of Reading for All
The Library and Learning Resources Centre at Sutton High School embodies our belief that reading belongs to everyone. It is a place where imagination meets innovation, and where every student can find their voice through books, stories, and shared discovery.
Our library, a cornerstone of knowledge and learning, has a rich and storied past that dates back to its founding in 1900. From its humble beginnings as a small collection of books, it has grown into a comprehensive resource centre that serves the diverse needs of our students and staff. Over the years, our library has continually evolved, embracing technological advancements and expanding its collection to include digital resources, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of educational support. Join us as we explore the milestones and achievements that have shaped our library into the invaluable establishment it is today.
Stay Connected
Visit this page regularly to stay up to date with the latest news, author visits, reading initiatives, and highlights from our library community. Keep up to date with our latest activities through our social media channels:
Instagram: @suttonhighlibrary | LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/suttonhighlibrary