Refreshing’, ‘fascinating’, ‘impressive’ are just some of the fantastic words of feedback received from our professional judge, Beth Webb, on the entries to the 2023-24 Literalily Creative Writing Competition! 

The themes selected for this year's creative writing entries were Ritual and Routine, Debutante and Nature and the Environment and these led to collections of poetry and prose that often empathically explored some significant issues, from our impact on Mother Earth, to the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

Our professional judge, Beth Webb, was as impressed as ever: '...it's always refreshing and fascinating to read your girls' work... There are some cracking entries. Heartfelt congratulations to all participants.' 

She also shared, that of the impressive Fourth Form entries, poetry 'submissions were exceptionally good, and it was hard to choose between the top few. However, I knew Taggie's (UIV) ‘Antique’ had won as soon as I read it: her clear, simple images sent shivers down my spine.'

Meanwhile, Fourth Form prose entries were equally impressive: 'Tabitha's (UIV) mirror story ‘The Mortality of Heartbreak’ was a very skilful use of Greek mythology, witty and beautifully written.'

The best Fifth Form prose pieces were characterised by their 'excellent settings'. The witty feline narrator of Emma's (UV) winning story stirred Beth’s imagination: 'OK, I’m a ‘cat person’, but this was well-constructed and so purrfectly ‘cat’, I re-read it just for fun!'

Of the powerful poetry entries, Georgina's (UV) ‘Hymn for Gaia’ was carefully crafted and evocative and a very deserving of the top award.

Once again, the quality of Sixth Form entries was breathtaking. Beth really loved the wild power and rhythm of Izzy's (UVI) poem, ‘Ad Astra’. As Virgil penned in the Aeneid: 'sic itur ad astra' - thus one journeys to the stars.

Ultimately, we congratulate Norah (LVI) this year’s overall winner, for her superb winning entry for the Sixth Form prose category, ‘Memoirs of a Young Boy Cast in Bronze’: 'the piece had depth, not too much description, character progression and a strong, sensitive story arc. Well done.'

Of those girls writing in English as an additional language, Beth wanted to especially mention Nikol (UIV), whose poignant prose entry that reflected on the rituals of the Ukranian Christmas Eve celebrations, and their resonance for all those away from their homes.

The English Department would like to thank everyone for their innovative and insightful pieces – and encourage entries to national competitions throughout the year!

Fourth Form – Poetry

Winner – Taggie H (UIV) 
Runner-up – Evie T (UIV)

Fourth Form – Prose

Winner – Tabitha R (UIV) 
Runner-up – Sophie O (UIV)

Fifth Form – Poetry

Winner – Georgina F (UV) 
Runner-up – Tabitha G (UV)

Fifth Form – Prose

Winner – Emma L (UV) 
Runners-up – Tied – Eleanor P (UV) and Sophia N-J (UV)

Sixth Form – Poetry

Winner – Izzy A (UVI) 
Runner-up – Norah C (LVI)

Sixth Form – Prose

Winner – Norah Chan (LVI) and Overall Winner 
Runners-up – Tied – Izzy A (UVI) and Millie B (LVI)

All winning and runner-up pieces, as well as a selection of highly commended work, will be published in the next edition of the Literalily magazine, alongside some pieces of outstanding artwork.

Congratulations again to everyone who entered – it has been a pleasure to read your work.

Miss Julie Grant, Second in English and Editor of Literalily Magazine