Students from Monkton Wood Academy are celebrating success after impressing judges in this year’s The Page is Printed: Creative Writing Competition, hosted by Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre.
The annual competition aims to provide opportunities for writers of all ages to express themselves creatively.
By limiting entries to one side of A4, the event encourages focus and clarity, while celebrating the power of storytelling.
Organisers emphasise that every participant who takes the time to write contributes to the success of the event.
This year’s celebration event once again proved to be a powerful and inspiring occasion.
Despite a wide variety of themes and subject matter, each piece demonstrated a shared love of language and an appreciation of its ability to shape perspectives and influence the world.
The event maintained its reputation for a warm and supportive atmosphere, making it a highlight in the local creative calendar.
Two students were named Under-18s prize winners:
Livvy Morris (Year 11) for An Ode to Grief
Emily Twist (Year 9) for Revenge
Judges praised the high standard of entries and the originality of ideas explored.
The 2026 judging panel included lead judge and award-winning poet Graeme Ryan, alongside published authors Clare Donoghue and Chris Ewan, Lionel Ward of Brendan Books, writer Molly White, and English teacher Leanne Appleby.
The panel generously dedicated their time to reading submissions, offering feedback, and selecting the winners.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “We are incredibly proud of Livvy and Emily for their achievements in this prestigious competition.
“Their success reflects not only their individual talent and creativity, but also the enthusiasm for writing that we strive to nurture at Monkton Wood Academy.
“Opportunities like this are invaluable in encouraging young people to find their voice and share their ideas with confidence.”
Pic: Emily Twist
