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Spotlight Feature: Authors Abroad – Championing Creativity and Enrichment in Schools
At Tempest, we love shining a light on organisations who enrich education and bring meaningful value to young people. One organisation doing exactly that is Authors Abroad - a long-standing champion of creativity, literacy and enrichment experiences for pupils across the UK and internationally.
A Story That Started With One Author - And Grew Into a Global Programme
Authors Abroad began in the early 2000s when their founder, Trevor, spotted a clear need in the international school sector. Schools overseas wanted UK authors to visit, but coordinating those visits, as well as sourcing books for signings - was extremely challenging.
What began with one author quickly expanded, eventually becoming a global programme. Today, Authors Abroad works with over 200 authors, poets, illustrators and storytellers, and has supported schools in more than 80 countries.
Their work now includes author workshops, poetry slams, specialist curriculum days and one of their most recognised initiatives - AIM High Days.
AIM High Days: Enrichment Done Properly
Many author visits involve large assemblies or short sessions. AIM High Days are deliberately different. These days bring together a small group of pupils from local schools for a full-day workshop led by a professional author, poet or subject specialist.
The day is practical, immersive and designed to develop real confidence. Pupils explore:
- Idea development
- Drafting and editing
- Refining language and structure
- Performance and speaking skills
- Personalised feedback
Originally launched in 2002 as Able Writers Days by children’s poet Brian Moses, the programme was rebranded as AIM High in 2022. Since Authors Abroad took on full management in 2011, the offer has broadened significantly.
Schools can now choose from:
- Catch-Up Writing Days
- Maths challenge and problem-solving sessions
- Science days with naturalists, astrophysicists and hands-on specialists
Some workshops even involve reptiles, insects or space science, the kind of unforgettable experiences that make learning feel real.
Small Groups. Authentic Engagement. Long-Lasting Impact.
Authors Abroad describe their mission in one word: inspiration.
Their aim is to create experiences that stay with children long after the session has finished. This encourages them to write, draw, imagine and explore with renewed confidence.
Teachers regularly share feedback about:
- Disengaged students re-engaging with learning
- Children going home to write their own poems or stories
- Pupils who rarely speak up taking pride in their work
A standout example comes from a KS3 AIM High Day with poet Sharena Lee Satti. One student connected so deeply with the workshop that they went on to attend open mic poetry nights and self-published their own collection within months. Stories like these illustrate just how transformational a single day can be.
Why Creative Experiences Matter Now More Than Ever
With reading for pleasure continuing to decline, schools are increasingly looking for ways to strengthen literacy and unlock creativity. Opportunities to meet authors, poets and specialists offer something the classroom alone can’t always provide.
Research from the National Literacy Trust shows clear links between author visits, improved attitudes toward reading and higher writing confidence. But beyond the research, these sessions give pupils something powerful: access to people who do these jobs in real life.
Authors Abroad put it simply: “If you can see it, you can be it.”
For many pupils, meeting a writer or illustrator makes the creative world feel more accessible, something they can imagine themselves being part of.
What’s Next for Authors Abroad
Looking ahead, the organisation is preparing for a busy period. With 2026 announced as the UK’s Year of Reading, Authors Abroad is gearing up to support schools with literacy-focused initiatives.
They’re also expanding their Poetry Slams to new regions and rebuilding their international programme now that travel has opened back up. Following successful visits in Brazil with Dr Stuart Lawrence, the team is now looking toward Central and South America for future partnerships.
Their focus remains consistent: increasing access to enriching, creative experiences for pupils everywhere.
Final Thoughts
At Tempest, we believe in celebrating organisations that elevate the sector and create opportunities for young people to thrive. Authors Abroad continue to do exactly that — offering schools an engaging, meaningful way to inspire creativity, confidence and curiosity.
If your school is exploring enrichment options or looking to bring learning to life in a new way, Authors Abroad is well worth exploring.
Learn more about Authors Abroad: https://www.authorsabroad.com/
