​In 2003, the School hosted its first Literary Festival, inviting renowned Australian authors, illustrators, poets, journalists and playwrights to work with girls from Kindergarten to Year 6. Another festival was held in 2008 along similar lines. In conjunction with the School’s 125th Birthday in 2010, the festival expanded to include more than 30 speakers, with school students from all sectors of education invited to attend. More than 2,000 students heard from Deborah Abela, James Roy, Jackie French, Miles Merrill and more.

 

The School has been working towards establishing a biennial festival, which offers students from all over Sydney, the Central Coast and further afield the opportunity to hear from and work with outstanding Australian and international authors and illustrators for minimal cost. We aim to establish the Abbotsleigh Literary Festival as the preeminent festival of choice for students and schools in NSW.