We were delighted to welcome pupils, families, staff, judges and guests on the 4th June 2026 to ‘The Cryer’ auditorium, our state-of-the-art performing arts centre named in honour of the late Barry Cryer, renowned comedian, writer and Leeds Grammar School past pupil. This was the fitting space to celebrate the inaugural Leeds Children’s Creative Writing Awards.
We were joined on the evening by some very special guests including the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd and also Cllr Downson with committee appointment for Culture, Heritage and Sport at Leeds City Council. It was a delight to welcome the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society President, Martin Staniforth to present an award alongside Louise McNamara, Project Officer at ‘Let’s Read’ and East Leeds Imagination Library. We extended a warm welcome to Cheryl Duffield owner of ‘The Little Book Shop’ in Chaple Allerton.
Our audience received a real treat when a selection of our shortlisted young writers performed their work as well as an inspiring performance from poet and artist Molly Overden.
This is our second year in partnership with the Leeds Literature Festival. Here at GSAL we are thrilled to support the festival which aligns closely with the school’s commitment to nurturing creativity, literacy and community involvement through meaningful partnerships. At GSAL, we believe in the transformative power of literature to broaden perspectives and ignite imagination. Supporting the Leeds Literature Festival not only reflects our commitment to academic excellence in the literary arts but also strengthens our engagement with the vibrant cultural life of our city. We’re proud to partner with a festival that champions both emerging and established voices in such a powerful and inclusive way
The Philosophical and Literary Society kindly donated a grant of £250 to help promote the Children’s Creative Writing Awards and provide ‘Little Book Shop’ book vouchers for our winners.
The aim of the competition was to encourage children and young people in primary and secondary age categories to take part in a ‘400 Words for Leeds 400’ competition to celebrate 400 years since Leeds received its Royal Charter from King Charles I back in 1626. The only rules for the competition were to have fun, and not to worry about spelling and grammar as we were more interested in hearing the young peoples’ creative ideas.
Finally I would like to acknowledge the time and skills provided from our GSAL Events Officer, Nadia Biscoe Clienti who has recently joined as a member of the Leeds Lit Fest Steering Group and volunteered so much of her spare time to make the competition happen.
I hope you enjoy reading all the creativity from our award winners and would encourage you all to get involved next year.
