ReadByte
United Kingdom
What it is
ReadByte is a cloud-based online library and reading platform for UK primary schools, secondary schools, and multi-academy trusts. Bookshelf supports catalogue management, circulation, overdue reminders, self-service borrowing, reporting, and MARC import and export. The Reading Diary lets pupils record, rate, review, and reflect on books, while teachers and parents can follow reading frequency, pace, difficulty, and progress. Book Club provides school-run clubs with selected books, discussions, challenges, and participation reports. Connected schools in a trust, federation, or other network can request and loan resources between libraries while tracking shared stock. The service works in a standard browser on computers, tablets, and phones without installation. ReadByte says migration from another system is included, and schools starting from scratch can complete setup in 15 minutes. Listed annual plans include MIS Sync and Bookclub at £99.00 per year, Reading Diary at £199.00 per year, and Bookshelf & Reading Diary at £299.00 per year. The homepage advertises 12 months free for its year-of-reading offer, with no obligation.
For and against
For
- Works in browsers on computers, tablets, and phones
- Includes cataloguing and circulation tools
- Tracks reading frequency, pace, and difficulty
- Supports MARC import and export
- Data migration is included
Against
- No free plan
- Listed plans are annual subscriptions
- Specific integrations are not named
- Designed for UK schools and trusts
The verdict
ReadByte combines library administration, reading diaries, book clubs, and network lending in a browser-based service. Its annual plans separate synchronization, club, diary, and combined library features.
Who it suits
ReadByte suits schools and trusts managing library collections while supporting pupil reading. Its features also address teachers, parents, pupils, and trust leaders who need shared reading progress.
Plans and prices
Bookclub
Bookclub
Read 7 Oct 2026 · readbyte.co.uk
MIS Sync
MIS Sync
Read 7 Oct 2026 · readbyte.co.uk
Reading Diary
Reading Diary
Read 7 Oct 2026 · readbyte.co.uk
Bookshelf & Reading Diary
Library management · Reading Diary
Read 7 Oct 2026 · readbyte.co.uk
On the record
- Book clubs
- Book Club lets schools create clubs, choose books, run discussions and challenges, and view participation reports.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- Bookshelf works on computers, tablets, and phones through a standard browser without installation.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- ReadByte says it acts as data processor, collects the minimum data needed for the contracted service, and removes personally identifiable information after the contract.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Data retention
- The GDPR page says customer data is retained for the contract plus 60 days after termination, then securely deleted unless legally required otherwise.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Free trial
- The pricing page offers 12 months free with no obligation, after which the school chooses whether to continue.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Hosting provider
- ReadByte says it uses Microsoft Azure, which it describes as accredited to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Bookshelf integrates with school management systems using Wonde for automatic student and staff data updates.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- ReadByte describes the platform as designed for primary schools, secondary schools, and multi-academy trusts in the UK.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Library management
- The platform supports book cataloguing, issuing resources, overdue management, and pupil self-service.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Library Network
- Schools in a trust, federation, or other network can request and loan resources between connected libraries and track shared stock.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Library tools
- Bookshelf supports catalogue management, circulation, overdue reminders, self-service borrowing, reporting, and MARC import and export.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maker
- ReadByte describes itself as a UK-based education software company whose team has over 35 years of combined education technology experience.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maker experience
- The maker says its team has over 35 years of combined experience in education technology and school library systems.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Migration
- Data migration is included when moving from another system.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Migration and setup
- The homepage says data migration is included when moving from another system and setup takes 15 minutes for schools starting from scratch.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Offer
- The homepage advertises a year-of-reading offer of 12 months free with no obligation.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- ReadByte is an online school library and reading platform for UK primary schools, secondary schools, and multi-academy trusts.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ReadByte is an online school library platform for managing collections, supporting reading development, and connecting school and home.readbyte.co.uk · read 7 Oct 2026
