MWF Schools returns in May
MWF Schools is back from 5–9 May 2025! This unique educational opportunity offers primary and secondary students the chance to learn directly from some of the most exciting storytelling talents in Australia.
Tickets are on sale now! The program sold out almost immediately in 2023 and 2024, so we encourage you to book quickly to avoid missing out.
Program Details
The Primary Schools program features the hilarious Nat Amoore, bestselling author Reece Carter, artist and author Nabeel Khan and the award-winning Jess Sanders.
The Secondary Schools program includes YA author Robyn Dennison, poet Solli Raphael, Yuin author Gary Lonesborough, and New York Times-bestselling author Neal Shusterman (USA).
Hosted by MWF Education Advisor Karys McEwen, each day of the MWF Schools program from Monday 5 – Thursday 8 May involves four different sessions. Authors will engage students in a broad range of topics, from the craft of writing and challenges of growing up to slam poetry, spooky stories, art and friendship.
On Friday 9 May, primary school students are invited to join one of Australia's most loved authors, Jessica Townsend, for a Melbourne-exclusive session.
Book Now
2025 Dates and Venue
Primary Schools Program:
- Monday 5 May, 2025: State Library Victoria; or
- Tuesday 6 May, 2025: State Library Victoria; plus
- Friday 9 May, 2025: State Library Victoria
Secondary Schools Program:
- Wednesday 7 May, 2025: State Library Victoria; or
- Thursday 8 May, 2025: State Library Victoria
Program Guide
You can view or download the program guide here.
Contact MWF Schools
For any enquiries, please email us at ticketing@mwf.com.au or call (03) 9094 7871.
MWF Schools Updates
If you think another staff member would like to receive updates about MWF Schools, please ask them to complete this form. This will ensure the most appropriate contact at your school receives news about our exciting education programs (before they sell out!).
MWF Schools Partners
FAQs
We’re here to help answer any questions you have about the MWF Schools program.
Planning your Festival
MWF Schools runs across 5–9 May. The Primary Schools Program takes place Monday 5, Tuesday 6 and Friday 9 May. The Secondary Schools Program takes place Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 May.
All MWF Schools events are restricted to school groups containing school-aged children only, plus an accompanying teacher or supervisor.
As a guide, our program offers events for primary school students from Years 3 to 6 and secondary school students from Years 7 to 11.
Tickets will be available to book online via our website at 10am, Wednesday 12 February 2025.
For booking enquiries, please email ticketing@mwf.com.au
5 – 8 May Tickets
$35 per student, with one free teacher ticket per 20 student tickets. It's $35 per additional teacher.
When you purchase tickets to attend events between 5 – 8 May, you are booking to attend the full day (four sessions).
9 May Tickets
$20 per student, with one free teacher ticket per 20 student tickets. It's $20 per additional teacher.
When you purchase tickets to attend 9 May, you are booking for one session.
All tickets are exempt from GST.
You can choose the number of complimentary and paid teacher tickets when using our online booking system.
All purchases can be made through the MWF website at mwf.com.au/schools.
There are two options to secure your booking:
1. Schools can purchase their tickets online using a bank card. This will ensure your booking is secured immediately;
or
2. Schools can reserve their tickets online via the booking portal and request to pay via invoice. MWF will issue the invoice to your designated email within three working days. Your booking is not confirmed until payment has been received. Please ensure payment is made by the date on your invoice.
If you have any questions about how to pay for your booking, please contact ticketing@mwf.com.au
Your payment will become non-refundable as of Friday 28 February 2025. Please contact MWF via ticketing@mwf.com.au to organise a refund prior to this date.
After this date, tickets can not be exchanged or refunded unless the event is cancelled. Please see our Terms of Sale for more information.
Your payment will become non-refundable as of Friday 28 February 2025. Please contact MWF via ticketing@mwf.com.au prior to this date to request an adjustment to your booking numbers.
After this date, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded unless the event is cancelled. Please see our Terms of Sale for more information.
Please inform us at the time of booking of any accessibility requirements. Melbourne Writers Festival has unallocated seating. Please contact us if you require reserved seating to accommodate access needs.
For more information on accessibility or to notify us of any access requirements, please email ticketing@mwf.com.au.
Unfortunately, MWF Schools is strictly for school groups only. Keep an eye out for exciting events for children, teens and families in the 2025 Festival program, launching in March.
MWF is committed to the safety of children of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds. Children are vital and active participants in our Festival. We want children to feel safe, happy and empowered. We support and respect all children just as we support our staff and volunteers.
MWF's Child Safe Policy has been developed in line with Victoria's Child Safe Standards, and you can access a PDF copy here. You can also view the Schools Safety Statement from MWF Schools partner and venue State Library Victoria here.
On the day
The MWF Schools primary and secondary program will be held at State Library Victoria (328 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000).
For more information about getting to this venue, visit the State Library Victoria website.
Yes, there will be opportunities for students to have their books signed at the venue. Signing timetables will be available when tickets go on sale at 10am, Wednesday 12 February 2025.
Students can purchase books on the day at the pop-up Readings bookstore.
Readings will be accepting card payments across all days.
MWF employs the services of a professional photographer to record events throughout the Festival. These photos are for archival and marketing purposes.
The purchase of a ticket grants implied permission for these photos to be used for the intended purposes.
If you, or any students in your care, do not wish to be photographed, please inform the photographer at the venue or speak with a Festival representative on the day.