St Swithun’s Write Well Competition Crowns Winners

St Swithun’s School recently hosted the awards ceremony for ten shortlisted candidates for a new national writing competition, "Write Well". In an time where it is often believed that young individuals write less than before, the event showcased the genuine and expressive voices of students sharing their personal experiences.

The judges praised the high quality of entries and offered valuable feedback. The 'Write Well' competition invited young people in Years 9 to 13 from across the UK to submit short memoirs, either written or as audio recordings. This competition highlighted the importance of writing for personal well-being and ensured that every story matters. 

Winners in both age groups received ‘writing hampers’ that were designed by the school Reading Room club and filled with inspiring stationery and reading materials. The senior winner, Natasha P from Dauntsey’s School, was also given a chance to attend a writing course with the prestigious Arvon Foundation. Hayden C from St Swithun’s won the intermediate category.  

The 'Write Well' competition aimed to celebrate and affirm the value of personal writing and reflection, supporting young people’s mental wellbeing. The initiative was inspired by Debora Harding’s heart wrenching book, Dancing with the Octopus, and her message that everyone has a story to tell. 

St Swithun’s School is dedicated to placing young people’s wellbeing at the heart of their education. 'Write Well' is intended to contribute to a national conversation about the importance of writing in supporting mental health amongst children and young people. 

Naomi Anson, Head of English at St Swithun’s School, expressed her delight: "It was truly a privilege to witness the creativity and authenticity in the entries we received. Our goal with 'Write Well' is to empower young people to share their stories and understand the profoundly positive impact that writing can have in building resilience and optimism. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and especially to the winners who stood out with their exceptionally crafted memoirs. We are proud to celebrate these talented writers and look forward to seeing their continued growth."