Summer Residential
Each July, a group of First Story participants who show great potential during the academic year are awarded fully-funded places to attend a week-long residential. The residential is hosted by Arvon at an idyllic setting in rural West Yorkshire.
If you’re feeling nervous about going to the residential, know this: within an hour of getting there, you’ll feel at home. One of the most important things about it, as well as the writing, is feeling like you belong.
CAROLINE BIRD, POET
Why apply
The residential is an incredibly valuable opportunity for aspiring young writers to develop their confidence, creativity and ability. They will work intensively with professional practitioners, alongside a supportive group of like-minded peers, in a peaceful and inspiring natural environment. It’s a space where new friendships are forged, and attending can be a life-altering experience.
What to expect
Residential week, from Monday to Friday, is a supervised programme of teaching and learning activities, including group workshops and one-to-one tutorials. It’s led by our most experienced writers, supported by First Story staff acting in loco parentis. Alongside lots of writing, there are social activities too, and the group is encouraged to cook and eat together. Time away from social media and mobile phones is also encouraged.
I’ve learned a technique of writing I will cherish forever – and I can’t believe how welcomed and safe I felt at Lumb Bank!
Aisha, participant, 2019
Location
In 2024, the residential will take place at the Hebden Bridge Hostel in rural West Yorkshire. The Calder Valley and the South Pennines are known for their stunning scenery and the hostel overlooks this beautiful valley landscape. Hebden Bridge also has a great reputation as a creative and cultural centre. The hostel has spacious individual rooms and many quiet spaces to write.
Outcomes
The residential experience builds young people’s confidence, social skills, independence and resilience. As young writers, participants learn new skills and techniques, with plenty of opportunities through the day to focus on their writing practice. Supported by one-to-one tutorials, they work on developing a piece to perform in a group showcase on the final evening. The group will also have their writing published in a residential anthology.
Application process
In spring term, each First Story participating school is invited to nominate Young Writers Programme participants for the residential. Nominated students are asked to submit responses to three short questions:
1) Include a short extract of your own writing (max. 100 words)
2) Explain why you are proud of the piece of writing and what it means to you (max. 150 words)
3) Explain why you would like to attend the residential and what you hope to gain from the experience (max. 150 words)
Sixteen students are selected and awarded a fully-funded place, including travel, accommodation and food.
This programme generously enabled by
We are incredibly grateful to teamArchie for funding our residential programme. As a charitable trust, teamArchie make awards to support inspirational young people seeking to advance their life opportunities. Their awards inspires excellence in the areas of sport, theatre, dance, music and academia, and teamArchie aims to develop leadership and coaching skills, so that those who benefit from support can, in turn, help others.
Arvon is a creative writing charity providing residential and city-based courses and retreats, led by highly respected authors. Since 2015 they have been generously making it possible to offer the summer residential programme to First Story students.
