Baillie Gifford Schools Programme

From Edinburgh International Book Festival

Resource type: Literature Festival

Price band: Free

Key stage: KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4

Region(s): Scotland

The Baillie Gifford Schools Programme is a free literature festival for primary and secondary schools. Part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, this year’s programme runs from Tuesday 20th – Friday 23rd August 2024.

The Baillie Gifted Schools Programme provides access to some of the biggest names writing for children and young people today with events for both primary and secondary schools. All authors in this year’s programme will perform live on stage in Edinburgh with a few events also available to watch live online, or on demand. The stellar lineup includes Maz Evans, Joseph Coelho, Sarah Crossan, Sophy Henn, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, M. G Leonard, Zanib Mian and the yet-to-be-announced authors shortlisted for this year’s YA Book Prize. See the full lineup here.

Tickets for in-person events can be booked using the online booking form from 23rd April until 11th June. Livestreamed events will be available to book from 4th June right up until the event starts.

Cost: Free.

About Baillie Gifford Schools Programme: The Baillie Gifford Schools Programme is the schools outreach programme for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the world’s largest public celebration of the written word.

Further resources:

All pupils attending an in-person event receive a free book. Schools attending online can apply to be one of ten schools to receive a collection of books by featured authors in the Big Book Giveaway.
Schools can also apply for support with travel costs through the Baillie Gifford Transport Fund. To apply, use the online booking form when you book your in-person tickets.
All schools can take advantage of a 28% discount on bulk orders of 15 or more books from official Festival bookshop Waterstones. The offer applies to all books featured in the Baillie Gifford Schools and Children’s Programmes.
Learning resources for each event will be available to download from the website.
Find more literature festivals with dedicated schools programmes here.