Towards the setting up and evaluation of academic reading circles: a critical commentary on academic reading practices in Higher Education institutions

The purpose of this article is to briefly explore the contested nature of academic reading in the context of an inner-city widening participation (WP) University, making a case for a dedicated reading programme that supports students with their studies. It will consider where such a programme may be of use and examine the context of non-traditional students within a WP university (Lea and Street, 1998)