Bradford Literature Festival’s (BLF) Education Programme delivers curriculum linked themed days each summer for Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 students.
Each themed day presents a carefully curated sequence of four high quality sessions delivered by writers, poets, historians, scientists and cultural thinkers. Designed to extend and enrich classroom learning, the programme combines expert insight with structured interaction to deepen understanding and spark curiosity.
Students encounter major ideas, influential texts and contemporary voices in a format that balances depth with accessibility.
Each student place is priced at £25 and includes four 40 minute sessions plus a festival welcome. Schools may bring a class group or larger cohort, subject to availability.
BLF offers independent schools the opportunity to embed a high quality cultural and literary experience within their calendar, one that supports attainment while building confidence, curiosity and cultural awareness.
*Not an independent school? Visit our Primary and Secondary pages for information for Home Educators and Non-Fee Paying Schools.
Bringing Learning to Life
Across the course of the day, students build their understanding progressively, moving from context and exploration towards reflection and creative response. As speakers are drawn directly from the wider BLF programme, students encounter practitioners whose work is shaping national and international conversations. The programme runs annually and many schools return year on year, reflecting its sustained educational value.
Recent sessions have included:
Primary
- A museum Egyptologist demonstrating how hieroglyphs are decoded before students wrote their own names in ancient Egyptian script.
- Inventor and engineer Ruth Amos setting a live problem solving design challenge around invention.
- Astronomer Dr Sheila Kanani demonstrating how sound behaves on earth and in space before revealing whether music is possible on the moon.
- Master storyteller Saviour Pirotta bringing a Greek myth to life on stage before breaking down the storytelling techniques that help students build their own epic quest.
Secondary
- A former chief superintendent reopening Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde as a modern forensic investigation.
- World record holding beatboxer Testament deconstructing William Blake’s poetry through live rhythm and sound.
- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who led the historic prosecution of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, discussing justice, accountability and modern civil rights.
- A theatre director from Leeds Playhouse analysing her production of Macbeth, revealing how casting, costume and staging transform Shakespeare’s text for contemporary audiences.
Places are allocated on a first come basis and early booking is advised.
If you’d like to discuss your school visit further please get in touch.
Feedback from Teachers
Primary 2026 Events
Myths, Legends and Magical Creatures
Wednesday 24 June 2026
Key Stage 2 English and PSHE
Years 3 and 4
Step into a world where magic, mystery, and imagination intertwine. Open the door to myths and legends, fairy tales and fables from across the globe. Shining a light on stories communities have told for centuries to explain the unexplainable.
Students will encounter dragons, tricksters, heroes, and gods. Discover how traditional stories have been retold across time. Be inspired to twist a classic myth or dream up their own legendary beings, exploring how tales reflect the hopes, fears, and values of their cultures. Myths, legends, and fairy tales carry timeless lessons, cultural values, and endless inspiration.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Adventures in Ancient Egypt
Thursday 25 June 2026
Key Stage 2 History, English and Art
Years 4, 5 and 6
Few civilisations capture the imagination quite like Ancient Egypt. Students will have the chance to step back thousands of years to explore the extraordinary culture and legacy. From the lifeblood of the River Nile to the Rosetta Stone that unlocked the secrets of an ancient language, students will uncover the many layers of this remarkable civilisation.
Encounter the world of gods, temples and pharaohs, discover how Egyptians used rituals, amulets and magic spells in daily life, and glimpse the power of Cleopatra at the end of the age of the pharaohs. With storytelling, exploration and the chance to write in hieroglyphs, Ancient Egypt comes vividly to life, inspiring awe and curiosity.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
A Journey Through Time
Friday 26 June 2026
Key Stage 2 English, History and Geography
Years 3 and 4
Travel through centuries in a day that brings the past vividly to life. Students begin in the Roman era, discovering the surprising world of communal baths, ingenious toilets, and everyday life that will have them laughing and learning in equal measure. They’ll also meet a Viking and discover how these fearless sailors and traders built strong wooden ships, explored distant shores, and left their mark across Europe.
The journey continues into the splendour of the Islamic Golden Age, where the dazzling court of Caliph Harun al Rashid opens a window onto Baghdad as the world’s greatest city of ideas, invention, and culture.
With storytelling, exploration, and hands-on discovery, the day reveals how diverse civilisations shaped the world we live in today – sparking curiosity, laughter, and awe at every turn.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
The Universe and You
Monday 29 June 2026
Key Stage 2 English, Science and PSHE
Years 5 and 6
The vast expanse of the universe holds endless mysteries unlocking new corners of the cosmos. This day offers students the chance to journey beyond Earth, gaining a clear introduction to the cosmos – exploring the solar system, galaxies, and the constellations that have inspired myths for centuries.
Along the way, they’ll put their questions to an astronomer and discover how today’s discoveries shape the future of space exploration. With a mix of science, storytelling, and reflection, students will see how the universe sparks curiosity, STEM ambitions, and a deeper sense of their own unique place in the cosmos.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Under the Sea
Tuesday 30 June 2026
Key Stage 2 English, Science and PSHE
Years 3 and 4
Students will travel to the depths of the Challenger Deep, uncovering the wonders of the ocean’s most extreme environments. They will also encounter astonishing creatures, from dolphins to the highly intelligent octopus, whose problem-solving skills continue to astonish scientists. Combining scientific discovery with environmental awareness, the day fosters curiosity, responsibility, and a deeper sense of connection to the natural world.
Beneath the waves lies a hidden world of mystery, beauty, and pressing challenges. Dive into the oceans, exploring extraordinary ecosystems and discovering the ways people are working to protect them. Sessions highlight the scale of ocean pollution and showcase the work being done to protect marine life and preserve our blue planet.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Performance Poetry
Thursday 2 July 2026
Key Stage 2 English and Spoken Language
Years 5 and 6
Step into the vibrant world of poetry, where rhythm, rhyme and imagination take centre stage. Pupils will encounter a line-up of poets with very different voices, from rap and spoken word to playful rhyme and lyrical storytelling.
Explore how poems can grow from everyday moments, showing that inspiration is often found close to home. Students will learn techniques for choosing words, shaping lines and building rhythm. Across the day, poets will also share how they craft their own work, giving pupils a glimpse into the choices and ideas that bring a poem to life. It’s an engaging, interactive experience to spark creativity and ignite a lasting love of words.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Introducing Shakespeare
Friday 3 July 2026
Key Stage 2 English, Spoken Language, Drama and History
Years 5 and 6
An engaging introduction to Shakespeare and the world in which he lived. Pupils will step into Elizabethan England to discover the bustle of London, the excitement of the Globe Theatre, and the backdrop against which Shakespeare wrote his plays.
From clapping out the beats of iambic pentameter to exploring how Shakespeare used rhythm, imagery and rhyme, language comes alive in ways that show why his words remain fresh and relatable. Alongside encounters with some of his most iconic scenes and characters, the day offers an inspiring first experience of the Bard and his enduring legacy.
Venue: University of Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Secondary 2026 Events
Shaking Up Shakespeare
Friday 3 July 2026
Key Stage 3 and 4 English, Drama and History
Shake up everything you thought you knew about the Bard in this lively exploration of his works and their relevance today. Begin with Shakespeare’s world; the people, places, and events that inspired his famous plays.
Dive into his dazzling language, from rhythm and imagery to wordplay and invention, and see how these techniques echo through rap, slang, and contemporary culture. Encounter the emotional intensity of his sonnets, guided by a poet who will bring their beauty and musicality to life. Alongside iconic characters and timeless themes, the day blends performance, creativity, and analysis to reveal why Shakespeare continues to resonate with each new generation.
Venue: St George’s Hall, Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 45-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Classic Fiction Everyone Should Read
Monday 6 July 2026
Key Stage 3 and 4 English Literature
What makes a novel a classic, and why do these stories still matter today? Students will explore the enduring power of literature across three key strands. They will see women who defied convention in works like The Handmaid’s Tale.
Examine novels that fought back against injustice, such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Orwell’s work. Revisit Victorian tales that shocked their world, from Dickens and Brontë to Gothic thrillers. Together, these themes show how writers across centuries and cultures continue to shape the way we read and think today.
Venue: St George’s Hall, Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 45-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Dystopia & Utopia
Tuesday 7 July 2026
Key Stage 3 and 4 English Literature
Why do writers imagine perfect worlds or worlds gone wrong? Join us to explore how utopian dreams and dystopian nightmares challenge us to think differently about society, freedom and justice. Explore landmark texts from Orwell classic 1984 to modern best-seller The Hunger Games, alongside other visions that shaped and shocked readers across generations.
Students will be invited to design their own alternative worlds, debating what makes a society fair, flawed or fragile. Linking literature to the issues of today, from surveillance and technology to climate and human rights, students will understand why dystopian and utopian stories continue to captivate and provoke debate.
Venue: St George’s Hall, Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 45-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
The Gothic
Wednesday 8 July 2026
Key Stage 3 and 4 English Literature
Step into the Gothic and uncover why its dark power continues to fascinate. Journey into the haunted mind, exploring paranoia, dreams, and the uncanny in stories that blur the line between reality and imagination. Discover how Mary Shelley reshaped the genre with Frankenstein, introducing science and philosophy into Gothic writing.
Trace how Gothic traditions like eerie settings, outsiders, monsters, secrets, are reimagined in today’s culture through books, film, and digital storytelling. The day also looks towards Gothic futures, where science fiction collides with the supernatural to create new visions of fear. Blending psychology, literature, and creativity, the day shows how the Gothic continues to capture the imagination.
Venue: St George’s Hall, Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 45-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Performance Poetry
Thursday 9 July 2026
Key Stage 3 and 4 English and Spoken Language
Performance poetry comes alive in this vibrant day of spoken word and creativity. Across the day, four distinctive poets will take to the stage, each bringing a unique performance style and writing approach, from slam and spoken word to lyrical and narrative traditions.
Alongside performing their own work, poets will share insights into the craft, from choosing words and shaping rhyme to the themes and experiences that inspire new writing. The day culminates in the creation of a mass poem written together with guidance from a skilled facilitator, celebrating poetry as both personal expression and collective art.
Venue: St George’s Hall, Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 45-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Stand Up and Be Counted
Friday 10 July 2026
Key Stage 3 and 4 PSHE
Stand Up and Be Counted explores the power of voice and what it means to be heard in this engaging day focused on communication, activism, and self-expression. Students begin by learning how confidence, clarity, and presence shape the way ideas are shared, developing practical skills to speak up in everyday situations.
Across the day, students will encounter different ways people use their voices, from youth-led campaigning and community action to personal storytelling and creative expression. Through interactive workshops and real-life examples, they will explore how ideas turn into action, how stories can challenge assumptions, and how words can build understanding and connection.
Blending discussion, creativity, and practical activity, Stand Up and Be Counted encourages students to reflect on what they care about and how their voices can make an impact.
Venue: St George’s Hall, Bradford.
Time: 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 45-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Feedback from Teachers
If you’d like to discuss your school visit further please get in touch.
Additional Information
Cancellation Policy and Incurred Fees
If you need to amend or cancel your booking, please inform us as early as possible, in order to offer the place to other students.
Cancellations can be made up to 2 months after your booking, up until 2 March 2026. After this date, all cancellations will incur a charge of £10 per pupil per event. Please note, each student ticket is worth £25, but BLF will reduce this to £10 per ticket for cancellations. We understand that exceptional circumstances may arise and are happy to work with you to find a suitable solution.
Event Locations and Transport
Key Stage 2 (Primary) events will be held at the University of Bradford. Key Stage 3 and 4 (Secondary) events will be held at St George’s Hall, Bradford.
Free parking for coaches and cars is available at the University of Bradford. A map will be included in the visitor pack sent before the event.
Please note, schools are responsible for arranging their own transport. Please confirm transport arrangements and availability before booking your places.
Event Schedule
Themed days run from 10:00 to 14:15, with arrival from 09:30. Each day includes four 40-minute sessions, with short breaks in between and a 45-minute lunch break.
Booking Information
No tickets or QR codes are needed on the day. At registration, simply provide your school name and event details to check in.
To ensure a smooth booking process, please obtain senior leadership approval and confirm transport arrangements before booking your places. This helps avoid late cancellations due to unavailable transport, unexpected costs, or staffing issues. By taking these steps in advance, you can help us prevent administrative challenges and reduce wasted tickets. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Visitor Pack
After your booking is confirmed, we will send a visitor pack with practical details, including parking and risk assessment information. A detailed itinerary, including the day’s events and participating artists, will be sent closer to the event date.
Lunch Arrangements
Students should bring a packed lunch, as no food is available for purchase on-site. Lunch breaks will be held in outdoor spaces near the venues. In case of severe weather, alternative arrangements will be made.
An event I want to book is sold out – can I join a waiting list?
Yes, if an event is sold out you will see the option to join a waiting list. For our Primary Key Stage 2 events, if we receive a cancellation suitable for the size of your school group we will be in touch to confirm your booking. Adding your details to the waiting list gives our team an estimate of interest levels and additional numbers required.
First Aid Provision
A first aider will be available at all event sites throughout the day.
Photography and Videography
We request that all parents and guardians are informed that photographs and video will be taken.
If parents/guardians do not wish for their child to be photographed or recorded then these students will be identified with a yellow lanyard – this enables our team to ensure that they are excluded from event recordings.
These will be provided by Bradford Literature Festival, and school staff are responsible for distributing these lanyards and ensuring they are visible at all times.
Access Requirements and Seating Information
If any of your students have specific access needs (e.g., sensory processing, physical accommodations, visual or hearing support), please let us know in advance so we can provide appropriate resources. To discuss access needs, contact us at [email protected].
Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with school groups seated together. If a student needs a break, quiet spaces are available. Students may take time out as needed, but must be supervised by a staff member.
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