A 16-week creative writing programme that gives KS3-5 students the skills and confidence to share their own unique voices
First Story builds
Confidence
First Story builds
Creativity
First Story builds
Writing Craft
The Young Writers Programme gives students
- Encourgement to develop writing skills and the resilience to write at length
- Techniques to help with planning, editing and proofreading
- Confidence to discuss and share their work by developing oracy skills
- Exclusive progression pathways and enrichment opportunities via competitions, mentorships and links with creative and cultural partners
The Young Writers Programme offers
- A hands-on intensive creative intervention for low-confidence writers
- Dedicated professional Writer-in-Residence for 16 weeks
- Training, resources and support for teachers
- Professionally published anthology of students’ work
- Showcase opportunities
- National and regional events in partnership with university partners and wider school enrichment opportunities
Testimonials
Our flagship provision includes a professional writer, sixteen weeks of extracurricular writing workshops, a published anthology, plus exclusive access to year-round activities and opportunities.
The Young Writers Programme has allowed me to be more creative by thinking outside the box.
Student Survey Response 2023/24 (London)
860
Students participated in our flagship Young Writers Programme 2023/24
90%
Of Young Writers Programme participants are more able to edit, review & reflect on their own work
Everyone has a voice.
First Story helps students find theirs.
First Story exists because access to quality cultural education is not distributed equally across the country or in education settings. We collaborate with teachers, professional writers and others, providing opportunities for under-served young people to participate in enriching creative writing activities.
Without this kind of programme, a number of our young students will pass through secondary school believing that they’re not good at writing. First Story gives writing voice to our participants.
Comfort Akano, Teacher of English, Skinners’ Academy
Become a First Story School
Where we currently work
First Story
East Mids
First Story
London
First Story
North West
First Story
Yorkshire
We use Pupil Premium as a primary indicator of disadvantage and would expect at least 70 per cent of a First Story group to be eligible. In consultation with each school, we may also work with students facings other barriers to learning, such as low prior attainers (below level 3 at end of KS2) and/or speakers of English as an additional language.
Support Us
First Story is a charity.
We couldn’t do what we do without our generous supporters. Whilst our partner schools contribute to the cost of our provision, we rely on voluntary support to deliver our programme.
Find out how you can help us provide life changing opportunities for young people.
