Open to writers of poetry and prose who have completed our Young Writers Programme, the Prize is awarded in memory of Philip Pyke to support young writers as they continue their writing journey. Winners receive prestigious tutoring by acclaimed Arvon authors.
You can read the winning pieces by clicking on the title.
First Prize
Lewis Buxton for his short fiction ‘Naming Ceremony’
The judges noted that this ’was laugh out loud funny… The piece was well paced and considered and left the judges wanting to know more and spend more time with the well-constructed characters.’
Lewis said ‘since I was a First Story student in 2008, it has set up shop in a corner of my heart. It has been there for me in so many different ways, so winning the Philip Pyke Memorial Prize means a huge amount to mel. In particular, winning for a short story means a huge amount to me because poems have always been my safe place. This recognition for writing prose feels new, exciting and particularly special.‘
Lewis Buxton (he/him) is a poet and theatre maker. His work has been published in Poetry Review, Magma and The Rialto. His new poetry book, Mate Arias (The Emma Press) will be published in July 2025. He was a First Story student in 2009 at Highgate Wood School, under the mentorship of renowned poet Romesh Gunesekera.
Second Prize
Maria Clark for her short fiction ‘Heartless’.
The Judges said the piece ’felt technically very accomplished. It flows really well and the pace kept us wanting to read further.’
Maria said ‘I’m so grateful and delighted to receive this award – particularly as it has reminded me not to give up! This has inspired me to continue with my writing, no matter what, and to celebrate the power of language and emotion. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible work of First Story alumni, and it gives me great joy to see others still pursuing their passions.’
Maria Clark (she/her) has a First-Class degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Lancaster University and works in recruitment. Some of her writing achievements include winning the Young Writer Award at The Page Turner Awards (2024), The People’s Friend Writing Competition’s ‘Thriller’ category (2024) and the First Story National Writing Competition (2015).
Third Prize
Hannah Idil for her short fiction ‘there are fewer joys than water to drink’
The judges said the piece ‘was deeply contemplative and evocative, especially with the use of some really excellent imagery.’
Hannah said, ‘placing third in the Philip Pyke Memorial Prize is both an honour and a humbling reminder that hard work gets noticed. It inspires me to keep writing, learning, and growing. It is so wonderful to see that so many young people from First Story like myself have kept writing.’
Hannah Idil (she/her) is a writer and secondary school librarian from West London, spinning her world into words. She is currently busy working on her debut novel unraveling the complex reality of Black Muslim womanhood. You can find her on Instagram (@hannahidil) and dive into more of her musings on Substack: strawbone.substack.com. Hannah completed the First Story Young Writers Programme in 2014/15 at Cranford Community College with Ross Raisin (winner of the BBC National Short Story Award 2024) as Writer-in-Residence.
Highly Commended
Priya Gill for her poem ‘House of Suits’
The judges noted that the poem ‘had a strong message and intention, amplified by the use of statistics right from the start.’
Priya said, “to be highly commended for the second year is invaluable to me. The Philip Pyke Memorial Prize has encouraged me to explore thematics, poetics and sense in my work and help me to grow as a writer.”
Priya Gill (she/her) attended Landau Forte College Derby where she completed the First Story Young Writers Programme 2019/120. She is Co-Chair of the Writing East Midlands Youth Board.
The Philip Pike Memorial Prize was launched in 2024. It is supported by Sharanne Basham-Pyke and Arvon. Entries were judged anonymously by a panel of practicing writers who studied alongside Philip. There is one overall prize of an Arvon Online Writing Week, three prizes of Arvon Masterclasses are awarded to shortlisted entries. Read about the winners of the inaugural year.
Philip Pyke (16 February 1965 – 7 August 2021) was born and lived in the West Midlands (Bloxwich). The son of Ray and Beryl Pyke, he was one of four children. Raised in a council house, all four children went to university and have highly successful careers. He studied Humanities at the University of Glamorgan where his love of writing novels, short stories and poetry grew later in life. He completed MA Creative Writing at Cardiff University. Quietly understated, with a raised eyebrow, a play on words, his observations of the absurdity of life and his people-watching skills could floor everyone with laughter.
