Orwell Youth Prize

At the end of the last academic year, writers across the UK submitted short stories to the Orwell Youth Prize. This prize, organised by The Orwell Foundation, encourages young people to write their own work of fiction inspired by the enduring and highly influential work of George Orwell.

One of these writers was Creative Writing Club member Sophie Stras, now in Year 12, who entered her short story ‘Roots’ to The Orwell Foundation. Sophie’s story deals with complex ideas around the way in which each of us is a product of countless generations through history which influence who we are, even in the most minute ways.

In all, 1,300 young people from across the country entered their work into this important competition. Following scrutiny from a panel of professional writers, Sophie’s work was chosen as part of the shortlist of stories which greatly impressed the judges!

We are all incredibly proud of Sophie’s achievement and we hope that this success will lead her to continue to write and serve to inspire more students to become involved with extra-curricular opportunities such as Creative Writing Club in the future.

Mrs C Webb
Director of Sixth Form
Prince Henry’s High School