The Hay Festival Programme for Schools provides free in-person and live-streamed author events for primary and secondary schools as part of its wider Festival programming.  The 2025 Programme for Schools will take place on Thursday 22nd May (Primary, age 7-11) and Friday 23rd May (Secondary, age 11-16).

Jasbinder Bilan, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, MC Grammar, Patrice Lawrence, Jenny Pearson, Louie Stowell and Ross Welford are just some of the best-selling authors taking to the stage in a wide-ranging primary programme that covers all reading interests.

From fantasy romance and the lives of women through history to the world of politics and the power of personal identity, explore a range of topics with top authors such as Ana Adebogun, Alastair Campbell, Nicola Davies, Christopher Edge, Matt Goodfellow, Liz Hyder and Anthony McGowan in a carefully curated programme for secondary pupils.

Online booking for the 2025 Programme for Schools opens on Tuesday 4th March and places for the in-person events are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Tips on how to plan your visit can be found here.

Schools wishing to watch the live-streamed events must register first.

Cost: Free with registration.

About Hay Festival: Hay Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious art and literature festivals. It offers a platform for leading experts and award-winning authors to share the latest thinking, offer new perspectives, and spark conversations with curious audiences around the world.