When does MWF Schools take place?
In 2026, MWF Schools runs from 4–8 May. The Primary Schools Program takes place Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 May. The Secondary Schools Program takes place Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 May. A new VCE program for Year 11 and 12 students will take place on Friday 8 May.
Who can attend MWF Schools?
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
- Secondary school students from Years 7 to 10
- VCE students in Years 11 and 12 studying English, EAL or English Literature Units 1-4
How do I book tickets to MWF Schools?
Tickets will be available to book online via our website at 10am, Wednesday 11 February 2025.
For booking enquiries, please email admin@mwf.com.au.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $35 per student, with one free teacher ticket per 20 student tickets. When you purchase tickets to attend events between 4–8 May, you are booking to attend the full day of sessions.
All tickets are exempt from GST.
How do I book my complimentary teacher ticket?
You can choose the number of complimentary and paid teacher tickets when using our online booking system.
How do I pay for my booking?
There are two options to secure and pay for your booking:
1. Schools can purchase tickets online using a bank card. This will ensure the booking is secured immediately;
or
2. Schools can reserve tickets online via the booking portal and request to pay via invoice. MWF will issue the invoice to the 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 the invoice.
How can I view the program guide?
The MWF Schools digital program guide will be available to view and download on Wednesday 11 February.
Sign up to our Schools eNews to receive a sneak peek of the MWF Schools program in December 2025!
My students have access requirements. Who can I speak to?
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.
Where can I access MWF's Child Safety and Risk Assessment Policy?
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.
Where will MWF Schools take place?
The MWF Schools 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.
Will there be book signings?
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 11 February.
Will there be a bookshop at the venue?
Students can purchase books on the day at the pop-up Readings bookstore.
Readings will be accepting card payments across all days.
Is the Festival going to photograph or record my students?
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.