New high school writing workshops after charity puts pen to paper

New creative writing workshops are being rolled out in high school across the region.

Creative writing workshops, funded by a £600,000 grant, will be rolled out for hundreds of pupils in high schools in Kirklees, Calderdale and Leeds in low-income communities.

The project is being run by First Story, a charity which aims to develop writing skills among youngsters.

The sessions will be led by professional writers and funded by cash from Arts Council England’s Creative Writing In Schools fund.

Emily Webb, head of programmes at First Story, said: “We are delighted to receive this grant from Arts Council England.

“This funding will allow First Story to reach more students in the North by bringing more talented writers into schools across the area.

“We have seen the positive impact that bringing writers into secondary schools serving low-income communities can achieve and we’re hugely excited about the opportunity this grant represents.”

First Story will work with teachers and pupils to help develop writing skills in school.

The charity is also organising a National Creative Writing Day, aimed at schoolchildren, which will also be funded by the grant.

Michelle Dickson, from Arts Council England, said: “I am delighted that schools in Yorkshire are going to be part of this brilliant project.

“Bringing professional writers into the classroom can provide transformative, inspiring experiences for students and their teachers.”