Celebrate the power of storytelling while raising some much-needed funds to support creative writing by young people. We’re trying to raise £1,000 this festive season, to help fund our two national competitions.
First Story’s Blog
Six Word Story 2019 shortlist and winner announced
Our annual Six Word Story competition is open to all First Story participating schools. Entry closed in late November. From a shortlist of 12 excellent stories, guest judge Juno Dawson picked this year’s winner.
Our impact in 2018-19
Highlights from our recently published report on our activities and impact during the 2018-19 academic year.
Extended deadline: University of Cambridge Bursary Scheme
Two new bursary places for the PGCert in Teaching Creative Writing at Cambridge University’s Institute of Continuing Education.
Extended deadline: University of Cambridge Bursary SchemeRead More
First Story moves into CLPE to create new literacy hub
First Story has a new home! Along with fellow literacy charity, Driver Youth Trust, we’ve moved into CLPE’s lovely old school building in Southwark, to form an exciting ‘literacy hub’.
First Story moves into CLPE to create new literacy hubRead More
Exclusive interview with Juno Dawson
Ahead of her appearance at our Young Writers’ Festival, Juno Dawson tells us what helps her write so well for young adults, and why it’s important to nurture under-represented writers and amplify their voices.
Announcing our 2019-20 Rathbones Folio Mentees
In its third year, the Rathbones Folio Mentorships programme is an invaluable opportunity for four talented First Story graduates to be paired with four accomplished writers from the Folio Academy.
Durham Commission report: a catalyst for change?
The Durham Commission on Creativity and Education report is a 96 page deep dive into why and how creativity should be placed at the heart of the British education system. Jess Fear shares her thoughts.
PGCert in Teaching Creative Writing is a life-changing opportunity
Investing in teachers’ professional development is central to our mission. Our Cambridge ICE bursaries change teachers lives.
PGCert in Teaching Creative Writing is a life-changing opportunityRead More
First Story alumni in Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2019
It’s the biggest poetry competition in the world for 11-17 year olds and former First Story students are among the 2019 commended poets.
First Story alumni in Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2019Read More
First Story at BBC Contains Strong Language festival
The UK’s biggest poetry and performance festival attracts world-class writers and performers to Hull, to appear alongside home grown talent – including First Story students and Writers-in-Residence.
First Story at BBC Contains Strong Language festivalRead More
Six days in Lviv ‘where every third person is a poet’
Our East Midlands programme manager visits Lviv in Ukraine, Nottingham’s fellow UNESCO City of Literature, to contribute to the Underground Literary Movement.
Six days in Lviv ‘where every third person is a poet’Read More