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First Story

England's leading creative writing charity for young people

  • Bookshop
  • News
  • Login
  • Donate
  • Programmes
    • Young Writers Programme
    • Young Writers Festival
    • Summer residential
    • Folio Mentorships
    • National Writing Day
  • Writers
    • Our ambassadors
    • Who we work with
    • Becoming a First Story writer
  • Schools
    • Partner schools HUB
    • Free writing resources
    • BBC Teach x First Story resources
    • Becoming a First Story partner school
  • Locations
    • North of England
    • East Midlands
    • Greater London
  • About
    • About us
    • Our impact
    • Staff and trustees
    • Vacancies
  • Support
    • Ways to support
    • Make a donation

Supported by our Programme and Partnerships Manager in Southwark, local writers work with young people in secondary schools across London boroughs and into the home counties.


Our First Story group’s exquisite pieces were crafted from the experience of the hardships of lockdown. I truly think the session gave them a positive outlet to vent, to laugh, and to forget all the noise of the pandemic around them. And for that, we say thank you to First Story!

Anisa Mahbub, lead teacher at George Green’s school, tower Hamlets

Greater London partner schools

Click on the markers on the map to see which schools currently offer our provision.

London programmes funded by

Alumni voices

Baran Gilgil, Haringey

Before First Story I didn’t like writing anything, I felt it was something that I couldn’t do. I really hated my English lessons because I had to write. [However] the workshops allowed me to express my feelings. Being given the freedom to write whatever I wanted made me feel free. I didn’t have to think about the rules of writing, techniques, spelling and grammar, and I was always encouraged to write in whatever way felt natural to me. It felt like I found my own voice.

Baran took part in the Young Writers Programme at Commerce House in Haringey in 2020/21. After receiving his GCSE results, he enrolled at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.

Read Baran’s storY >

Greater London stories

First Story partners with Goldsmiths University to further the careers of emerging young writers  

16 March 2022//  by First Story

“Working with First Story has been a beautiful life experience” In 2021 First Story were thrilled to partner with Goldsmiths…

First Story partners with Goldsmiths University to further the careers of emerging young writers  Read More

Category: London, Partnerships

First Story Writer-in-Residence, Cecilia Knapp wins Ruth Rendell Award

26 January 2022//  by First Story

First Story Writer-in-Residence, Cecilia Knapp has won the 2021 Ruth Rendell Award, which honours the author or writer who has…

First Story Writer-in-Residence, Cecilia Knapp wins Ruth Rendell AwardRead More

Category: London, News, Writers

Young writers exploring higher education through Connect events

20 December 2021//  by First Story

Held during the autumn term, our region-specific Connect events are designed to connect young writers with each other and with…

Young writers exploring higher education through Connect eventsRead More

Category: East Midlands, London, Outcomes and Impact, Partnerships

‘First Story is life-changing’: Young Writers Programme in Alternative Provision

29 September 2021//  by First Story

In 2021, First Story facilitated a sixteen-week Young Writers Programme at Haringey Learning Partnership: Commerce House, an alternative provision school…

‘First Story is life-changing’: Young Writers Programme in Alternative ProvisionRead More

Category: Alternative Provision, London, News

‘I am so grateful to have had this experience’

29 September 2021//  by First Story

Michelle Burke is a First Story Lead Teacher at Haringey Learning Partnership: Commerce House, an alternative provision school and service…

‘I am so grateful to have had this experience’Read More

Category: Alternative Provision, London, Opinion, Outcomes and Impact, Teachers

‘First Story is a project of hope’

27 November 2020//  by Anthony Cartwright

Award-winning novelist and long-serving First Story Writer-in-Residence, Anthony Cartwright reflects on what he’s learned as a writer and practitioner after…

‘First Story is a project of hope’Read More

Category: London, Opinion, Writers

Saint Gabriel’s College ’20:20 Vision’ anthology launch

27 July 2020//  by Antonia Byatt

Earlier this month, we were invited to St. Gabriel’s College in South London, for a special socially-distanced event to celebrate…

Saint Gabriel’s College ’20:20 Vision’ anthology launchRead More

Category: Anthologies, London, News

On being a Writer-in-Residence

22 December 2019//  by Rachel Seiffert

This is the transcript of a speech given by Rachel Seiffert during an event for First Story supporters at Hachette…

On being a Writer-in-ResidenceRead More

Category: London, News, Opinion, Writers


Get in touch

Emma Leahy
Programme & Partnerships Manager, London

Emma supports our programmes across the London Region. After a long career in retail, in 2015 Emma moved into the charitable sector. Passionate about young people having the opportunity to thrive and enjoy life, she has worked for Coram Beanstalk and The National School Breakfast Programme before joining First Story in 2020.

Email Emma >

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First Story's funders include

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Contact us

44 Webber Street
London
SE1 8QW

020 7481 7777

info@firststory.org.uk

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