1987
Jolly Learning begins, initially publishing boxed reading games and practical learning resources.
Chris Jolly OBE
Founder and Chairman
The founder of Jolly Learning, helping bring joyful, systematic literacy teaching to classrooms around the world.
Chris founded Jolly Learning in 1987 and has spent more than three decades supporting teachers, trainers and schools with practical programs that help children learn to read and write with confidence.
From a Teaching Idea to a Global Literacy Programme
Jolly Learning began with practical classroom resources and a belief that children learn best when teaching is clear, structured and memorable.
In 1989, Chris met Sue Lloyd, whose approach to teaching reading was producing strong results in the classroom. Chris helped trial and publish those ideas, leading to the first Jolly Phonics materials in 1992.
The programme grew quickly because it gave teachers a practical way to teach the skills children need for reading and writing. What started as a classroom-tested approach became a literacy programme used by schools around the world.
Literacy for Every Child
Chris has always wanted effective literacy teaching to reach across society, not only schools with the most resources.
Through Jolly Futures, support has been offered to state schools in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, beginning with free pilots and local training. This work has helped bring Jolly Phonics to national and regional programmes in several countries.
That same practical spirit continues today: helping teachers feel confident, prepared and able to make a lasting difference in children's reading and writing.
Recognition and Awards
Chris's contribution to education and independent publishing has been recognised through national honours, university awards and industry recognition.
OBE Award
Awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to education in 2024.
Services to education
Lifetime Achievement
Recognised by the Independent Publishers Guild for career-long impact in 2019.
Independent publishing
Honorary Doctorates
Awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Uyo in 2014 and University of Bristol in 2017.
University recognition
Education Publisher
Jolly Learning has been named Education Publisher of the Year four times by the Independent Publishers Guild.
Publishing awards
Chris Around the World
Photos and moments from awards, conferences and international training.
Chris's work has taken him to classrooms, conferences and training communities around the world, supporting teachers and celebrating the impact of literacy teaching.
