A creative writing programme with professional writers that gives KS3-5 students the skills and the confidence to share their own unique voices.
The Young Writers Programme combines a hands on creative intervention for selected students, with whole school enrichment opportunities. It’s a fun and fulfilling programme led by writing professionals which develops students’ writing skills and confidence to discuss and share their work.
Professional Writer-in-Residence
We match each school with a professional Writer-in-Residence drawn from our pool of talented and experienced authors, poets and playwrights. As a dedicated Writer-in-Residence, they will facilitate 16 weeks of workshops and support the editing of a professionally printed anthology created by Young Writers Programme Participants. Our writers are visible and inspiring role-models, boosting the profile of creative writing around the school.
Weekly writing workshops
16 weekly Young Writers Programme workshops offer a trusted space where young people can creatively explore identity and experience — supporting their social and emotional learning and fostering oracy and discussion skills. Structured sessions encourage students to tell the stories they want to tell, and to experiment with language and style in a creative environment. Confidence grows and writing ability develops.
Students became secure in their own writing and were brave enough to try new approaches that they may have never even considered before. I truly believe that First Story has allowed our students to experience real freedom and liberation through writing.
Lucy Vickers, English Teacher, John Spendluffe Technology College
Published anthology and celebration
Through the workshop process, students work collaboratively towards publication of a printed anthology, learning how to edit, revise and improve their own writing. Copies of the printed anthology are gifted to participants and the school’s library, with a copy sent to the British Library. Their achievement as published authors is typically celebrated at a launch event attended by families and communities.
National and Regional Events
With prestigious delivery partners including universities and publishers, our enrichment opportunities expand horizons and develop cultural capital.
Connect events bring together young writers in a region and promote local higher education opportunities. Our annual Young Writers Festivals bring together up to 400 young writers from across England at the University of Cambridge and at our new festival in Manchester.
Wider school enrichment
Termly competitions are supported by publishing industry partners and provide regular opportunities for the whole school community to engage in creative writing for pleasure, self-expression and agency. With the support of a dedicated First Story Programme Manager, participating schools can access additional benefits from local cultural partnerships including workshops and events and organise their own creative writing initiatives to mark key dates such as National Writing Day.
Professional development for teachers
Participating in the Young Writers Programme enables teachers to work closely with our Writers-in-Residence, benefiting from access to their expertise and developing their own confidence in creative writing. Teachers can take away practical ideas to implement in their own classrooms. With access to free teaching resources and ongoing support, the Young Writers Programme offers CPD to enhance whole-school creativity and knowledge of teaching extended writing
Want to hear what a teacher thinks?
Watch our recent webinar (from 12 June 2025) ‘Writing for enjoyment in secondary schools’ in partnership with The English Association. The session includes Emma Kirkham, Assistant Headteacher at Trinity Church of England High School, Manchester discussing the benefits that the Young Writers Programme has brought to her school
Exclusive progression pathways
Students who complete the Young Writers Programme are invited to apply for exceptional development opportunities, including fully-funded places to attend our Young Writers Residential in partnership with Arvon; one-to-one mentoring by a professional writer through the Folio Academy Mentorship scheme; a role as a First Story Young Mentor; public speaking and performance at festivals and events; careers guidance and work experience placements.
