Learning

Learning lies at the heart of everything we do. We aim to foster a love of books, words and reading, and inspire people of all backgrounds and ages to explore new ideas and expand their horizons.

Head on over to our Learning site to find:

• Information on our schools events including the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme
• Information on the Baillie Gifford Big Book Giveaway and bookshop discounts
• A variety of Learning Resources for all ages
• Updates on the latest Learning news and events
• Details of our Outreach work

Sign up for our Schools and Education ebulletins

Get the latest information on our Baillie Gifford Schools Programme and education activities by signing up for our Schools and Education ebulletins. Make sure you place a tick next to ‘Schools & Education Information' to receive the relevant ebulletins.

2023 Baillie Gifford Schools Programme

Monday 21 - Tuesday 29 August 2023

Join us in-person or remotely from your classroom for a packed programme of book events created specially for schools this August. All schools’ events are free to attend in person, with selected events available to watch online, either live or on-demand so you can catch up at a time that suits you and your class.

The Baillie Gifford Schools Programme features special events for primary and secondary schools to help keep young minds active and inspired. Events explore a variety of curriculum-led topics from some of the best authors, illustrators and thinkers writing for children and young people today, allowing children to engage with books and stories in a fun and accessible way.  

This year, all authors in the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme are appearing live on stage in Edinburgh in our state-of-the-art studios, with select events available via livestream, and afterwards on-demand.. Schools can book free tickets to in-person events using the booking form found on our learning site from 25 April.

Baillie Gifford Gala Day - exclusive to primary schools - returns to the Festival on Tuesday 29 August. Thanks to Baillie Gifford, pupils attending in-person can look forward to receiving a free book, which they can get signed, and a free goody bag. They’ll also get the chance to meet some amazing wildlife on-site, use their creative skills to make placards from recycled materials, and the chance to meet some of their favourite authors and book characters.

Events are accompanied by learning resources to help you get the most out of your Book Festival experience. Head to our dedicated Learning Site for more information at learning.edbookfest.co.uk/resources

Baillie Gifford Big Book Giveaway

In addition to an inspirational events programme, every pupil attending the Baillie Gifford Schools Programme in-person will automatically receive a free title relating to the event they come and see. 

Exclusively for schools watching online, we’re offering teachers the chance to win a free book bundle for their school library. More details can be found on our learning site.

Discounted Books for Schools

Waterstones are delighted to offer schools a 28% discount on bulk orders of 15 or more books. The offer applies to all books featured in the Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme and is valid between 20 April and 30 September. More details can be found on our learning site.

Adult Programme

Our wide range of informative workshops, creative masterclasses, lively author events and open conversation aim to inspire joy and offer the opportunity to discuss the hot topics of the day. You'll find hundreds of events featuring world-class authors, writers, and thinkers in our adult programme. Full programme to be announced on Wed 14 June. 

Baillie Gifford Children's Programme

Our renowned Baillie Gifford Children’s Programme encourages children to play with words and engage with books and offers plenty of opportunities to discover something new. Featuring the best writers and illustrators for children and teens, the programme gives youngsters the chance to explore subjects as diverse as the natural world, art, history and astronomy, in a vibrant and interactive environment. Full programme to be announced on Wed 14 June.