MWF Schools returns in 2025
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.
The program sold out almost immediately in 2023 and 2024, so save the dates below in your school's calendar to make sure you're in with the best chance of securing tickets.
Program and Booking Details
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 for one of two in-depth sessions.
The full program will be released and tickets available online via our website at 10am, Wednesday 12 February 2025.
Sign up to the MWF Schools mailing list here to receive program and ticket release updates.
2025 Dates and Venue
Primary Schools Program:
- Monday 5 May, 2025: State Library Victoria
- Tuesday 6 May, 2025: State Library Victoria
- Friday 9 May, 2025: State Library Victoria
Secondary Schools Program:
- Wednesday 7 May, 2025: State Library Victoria
- Thursday 8 May, 2025: State Library Victoria
MWF Schools Lineup Sneak Peak
We're sharing a first look at the MWF Schools program before it's announced in February! Stay tuned for more details on these exciting events and the full MWF Schools program.
Primary Schools program
Jessica Townsend: Silverborn
At two very special Melbourne-exclusive Schools events, much-loved Australian author Jessica Townsend will take students on a journey through the Wundrous world of Nevermoor, as she delves into the highly anticipated fourth book in the New York Times-bestselling Nevermoor series, Silverborn – coming in May 2025!
Secondary Schools program
Solli Raphael: Identity x Poetry
Award-winning poet, author and advocate Solli Raphael has the antidote to the mystifying journey of growing up – poetry. In Solli's new book, Starlight, he draws on topics from philosophy to social media. Solli's interactive session will illuminate the power of poetry to help us better understand our identity.
Contact MWF Schools
For any enquiries, please email us at: admin@mwf.com.au
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!).
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 admin@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.
Please submit your payment online via bank card. You must be able to purchase your tickets in full via bank card at the time of booking.
If you're unable to complete your payment online with a bank card, please contact our team between 1-12 February 2025 at admin@mwf.com.au to discuss alternative payment options, such as an invoice with a PO number.
Your payment will become non-refundable as of Friday 28 February 2025. Please contact MWF via admin@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 admin@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 admin@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 21 March 2024.
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 Safety and Risk Assessment Policy has been developed in line with Victoria's Child Safe Standards, and you can email admin@mwf.com.au for a PDF copy.
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 on 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.