Please support Support us with our outreach work

Outreach in Schools

Children in school in the middle of crafting, some looking to the camera and smiling.

The Stratford Literary Festival is a registered charity that aims to encourage a love of books and writing, and to use books and writing to educate, improve well-being and cultivate the life skills that reading and writing can bring.

Good literacy is the bedrock of education and the springboard to positive well-being and life outcomes – and we’re right on the starting blocks!

We take authors into schools to inspire young people in all Key Stages to a life-long love of books. There's an opportunity to buy a copy of the book and have it signed, and we follow up each visit with a Resource Pack so that there is a legacy to the visit.

Sometimes a child will never have met an author or experienced an author visit, and these events are very special in engaging young people to explore the wonder of books.

We just love spreading the word. If you feel you can support us, please get in touch.

Please Donate Here

Events in Schools in 2026 so far...

This year we are working with:

Emma Carroll, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Christopher Edge, Sophy Henn, Patrice Lawrence, Smriti Prasadam-Halls, Jane Riordan, Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre, Sam Sedgman, Davina Tijani, Devon Glover, Jonathan Stroud, Struan Murray, Sophie Anderson, Serena Patel, Alex Willmore, Kieran Larwood, Sarah Crossan, Tola Okogwu, Anna James, and Joe Todd-Stanton
We’ve visited many schools across the region and inspired thousands children with workshops and author events.

Child wearing a mask and holding up two books in a school classroom.

My Author Project

Our term-long initiative in your schools exploring one author’s work through art, drama and creative writing

A woman on stage surrounded by children in dress-up, in the middle of telling a story.

Schools and Education Programme

Find out how we can bring authors and illustrators into your school to engage and inspire

National Year of Reading 2026

We're committed to engaging everyone in a life-long love of reading

Children sitting down listening, holding teddy bears.

Bedtime Story Parties

Sharing stories written by parents and children

Cartoon of a child sitting on a stack of books and holding a book open.

Build a Library Campaign 19–26 March

You helped us buy books for five schools in Warwickshire!

Different coloured lego bricks from different angles.

The Story Builder

The easy step-by-step guide to help you create your very own story!

Create a Story with Philip Ardagh

The award-winning author shares tips on creating a brilliant story

The children were all absolutely thrilled and the books Jonathan signed were beautifully personalised. It has been so special being able to have Jonathan visit the school and speak to all of our Year 7 and 8 children and they feel immensely privileged to have had this experience. One that I am sure they will always remember!

Alcester Grammar School