Rashford hits the back of the net with books for kids

A primary school has been gifted a new library with help from footballer Marcus Rashford.

Students at Melcombe Primary School in Fulham Palace Road, Fulham were previously reading worn, outdated books until the Manchester United star provided books as part of his book club.

Books and furniture were also donated from Sinclair House school – which was forced to close in December after half its pupils left the school.

Headteacher Anne-Marie Stracham, who took up the role in April 2021, said boys have been rushing in to read, excited to connect with Marcus.

She said: “We have joined the Marcus Rashford Book Club. It’s been a wonderful appeal.

Boys have responded with excitement. It’s a forward way of engaging children.

“He provides a role model to read. It was the reading of the books that let the school down.

“While it had books, the books were very old. One or two of the books were dated.”

At Melcombe’s last inspection Ofsted said the school required improvement and teachers were struggling to teach children how to read.

Children in Years 3 to 6 were also not reading outside lessons or for pleasure.

But now, pupils are inspired by the footballer and the new library has a range of books from The Gruffalo to the Chronicles of Narnia and a range of history books.

Ms Stracham said: “It’s about starting the journey for Melcombe.

We wanted to create a space to raise the level of reading in the school.

“I think it’s very important to keep children in school and have access to teachers.”

The headteacher believes the donated library contains roughly £10,000 worth of books, with a further 2,000 books coming from Sinclair House school.

Former Sinclair House headteacher Carlotta O’Sullivan said: “I’m just really pleased Melcombe School have been able to take all of these books.

“They were a big part of Sinclair House.

“This is what I really miss.”

Pictured: Marcus Rashford (by Oleg Bkhambri – Wikipedia)  /Melcombe Primary School