Welcome to Word Up!
Wimbledon BookFest’s Schools Programme Supported by our Principal Education Partner, University of Roehampton
Turning children into readers, writers and world record breakers.
Word Up! is Wimbledon BookFest’s schools programme – a year-round programme of author events, writing workshops, competitions and creative industry opportunities, giving every child a reason to love words.
More than 11,000 children from 70+ schools across Merton and South London take part in Word Up! every year. From age five to sixth form, they meet world-class writers, find their voices and discover how stories can change the world.
There’s something here for every year group and child. Especially the ones who don’t think reading is for them.
“We love working with Wimbledon BookFest. It promotes a genuine love of reading.” – Local Teacher
To find out how your school can get involved, email [email protected]
A Journey From First Stories to Future Careers
Word Up is designed to grow with your students. From a child’s first encounter with a world-class author to a sixth former’s first published byline, every initiative builds on the last, creating a journey of discovery, confidence and ambition.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Word Up! Author Events
Something happens when a child comes face-to-face with a real-life author. Suddenly, books feel like a way to connect.
During our October Festival, local primary and secondary schools meet some of the most exciting writers working today – many of them on stage at the New Wimbledon Theatre. For some children, it’s their first time in a theatre or cultural space. A moment that opens up a world they didn’t know was theirs.
Past guests include Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Sir Lenny Henry, A.F. Steadman and MC Grammar – names that make young readers sit up and pay attention.
“The quality of the authors is second to none. The genuine response from the children reading their books after the event is astounding.” – Local Teacher
View Author EventsWord Up! In Action – Breaking Records
This year Wimbledon BookFest kicked off the National Year of Reading by breaking a Guinness World Record with MC Grammar. 859 students from 18 schools gathered for the world’s largest rap lesson. And every child went home with a book.
“This is epic. We are world record breakers.” – Student
“Many of our children do not read for fun at home. This made reading fun.” – Teacher
“Neurodiverse children who don’t usually engage — the combination [of reading and music] sparked their curiosity.” – Teacher
Breaking a World Record!
Word Up! Writing Workshops
Helping children find their voice.
Every child has a story worth telling. Our writing workshops give them the skills and confidence to tell it.
Led by acclaimed published authors, Word Up writing workshops take place as part of our schools programme, in classrooms and online, giving students access to the craft of writing in a way that’s engaging, practical and curriculum-aligned. Recent authors include Eve Wersocki-Morris and Nathanael Lessore.
“It was engaging and age-appropriate. Entertaining but with a clear message.” – Local Teacher
Word Up! Young Writers Competition
The 2026 Young Writers Competition is open now!
The Young Writers Competition takes everything the writing workshops build and gives it somewhere to go.
Open to all schools across South London and Surrey from KS1 to Sixth Form, students have up to 500 words to shape a poem or story around our annual theme. The best work is published in the Wimbledon BookFest Anthology, a beautifully produced book held in school libraries across the borough.
Winners and runners-up are celebrated at a prize-giving event, while one overall winner takes home an iPad. Every shortlisted child receives a certificate, and every participating state school receives two anthology copies for their library.
Find Out More about the Young Writers CompetitionThe BookFest Academy
Creative careers start here
For 16-19-year-olds in Merton or Wandsworth, BookFest Academy is a foot in the door of the creative industries. In 2025, 30 students from 10 local state schools gained hands-on festival experience, developed their journalism skills and had their work published.
For young people considering careers in publishing, media, the arts or communications, this is the kind of experience that sets a CV apart.
READ MORE
Word Up! Open Door Events
Sixth Form Events with the University of Roehampton.
Some of the most important conversations a sixth former can have happen outside the classroom.
Through our partnership with the University of Roehampton, we create events that inspire Years 11-13 to think beyond the curriculum, about the world, their place in it and the possibilities ahead.
Last year that meant bringing 500 sixth formers from 21 London schools face to face with Dame Jacinda Ardern for an afternoon of conversations about leadership, climate change and the future. Every state school attendee received a free copy of her memoir.
Free tickets to selected Wimbledon BookFest events in October are also available for local state school sixth former, offering students a chance to explore new ideas and get inspired for their futures.
Watch this space for what’s coming next.
Volunteering with Word Up!
Opportunities for Sixth Formers and Students
Want to get behind the scenes at London’s leading literary festival? We particularly welcome sixth form students from local schools and University of Roehampton students to volunteer with us during the Autumn Festival.
Steward events. Support authors. Work as student press or content creators. It’s real experience, real insight and a strong addition to any CV or UCAS application.
- First-hand insight into publishing and the creative industries
- Listen to talks from authors you love – for free
- Discover new writers
- Gain experience for your CV or UCAS material
- A bespoke Wimbledon BookFest t-shirt
Email Fran Baxter at [email protected] to find out more.
Belong to Something Special
“A fantastic local opportunity. The subsidy really made a difference in a school with high levels of deprivation.” – Teacher
The child who discovers they love writing. The reluctant reader who finishes a book for the first time. The sixth former who finds their direction. These are the moments Word Up makes possible.
As a registered charity, we rely on the generosity of people who believe in this work, so we can continue to bring culture into classrooms, champion reading and writing, and ensure the arts remain open to all.
Become a Friend Make a Donation Partner With Us
Become a Word Up Literacy Champion
Want to bring the magic of Word Up directly to your school?
Literacy Champion partnerships give parent associations and school supporters the chance to fund Word Up activities for their school community, for first access to author events, writing workshops and festival opportunities that enrich the curriculum and open young minds.
It’s one of the most direct ways to make a difference to the children in your school. And the results speak for themselves.
“The response from the children reading their books after the event is astounding.” – Local Teacher
To find out more about becoming a Word Up Literacy Champion, get in touch with our Schools Liaison at [email protected]
Bring Wimbledon BookFest Events To Your School
Young Writers Competition
BookFest Academy
Inspiring Author Events
