The Schools Writing Trail was in situ around Manchester City Centre from 1-15th June 2023 across 8 venues and featured young writers from 40 different schools across Greater Manchester. Now that the Trail has ended, we have digitised the artwork and writing here as a trail archive to be visited again and again.

First Story’s flagship Young Writers Programme places inspiring professional writers in residence in non-selective secondary schools serving low-income communities. Writers work intensively over an academic year with a consistent group of students, towards publication of a printed anthology. The writing for the trail from First Story came from their Connect North West event in April 2023, where 100 pieces of writing were presented and displayed on postcards and during the student showcase, with young writers sharing creative ideas.

The writing stars featured on the trail: Amn Fahad, This is where I belong; Angelrose Ugwu, Nostalgia; Ash Diamond, The air doesn’t feel the same; Ayomide Adebayo, In this place; Eleanor Thomas, Our Colourful Manchester; Elizabeth Reynolds, Crazy Childminders; Emily Tait-Solano, The conscious photographer; Fatimah Ashraf, A student’s backpack; Finnlay Lyon, Breakfast; Frances Hulme, Manchester; Hafsa Ennasry, Motion; Lilly-Rose Peppard, Phones; Morgan Walshaw, Grandma; Naphtali Mahari, What am I?; Oliver Davidson, Nature; Sam Higg, I come from; Samara Wright, Memories; Tapiwa Mutanga, The Friends We Deserve; Varis McGuinness, Home.

Work produced by students from Broadoak High School, Didsbury High School, Stockport School, Trinity C of E High School, Unsworth Academy and Wright Robinson College featured across sites including the University of Manchester, Manchester Central Library, Manchester Poetry Library, Moss Side Power House and Portico Library.

Download and read the excellent work by these young stars below.