Menu

Our work in schools

Our young people’s programme provides open-access opportunities for young people to develop their writing across the region through our Young Writers’ Groups, as well as offering more targeted programmes in Newcastle, Gateshead and County Durham schools and communities.

We currently work year-round in the following schools across Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham:

  • Belmont Community School, Durham
  • Callerton Academy, Newcastle
  • Excelsior Academy, Newcastle
  • Kelvin Grove Primary School, Gateshead
  • Kingsmeadow Community School, Gateshead
  • Larkspur Community Primary School, Gateshead

Each week we bring amazing writers into the schools we work with. We work with writers across forms, including songwriters, rappers, screenwriters, poets, and theatre makers, who take over English, Music or Drama lessons with creative writing projects. They also provide ongoing after-school provision for young people interested in developing their practice, and investment in individual talent and ambition.

More than 1500 young people per year take part in our award-winning Young Writers’ programme.

Current schools projects

  • Young Writers' City

    Our flagship schools programme, Young Writers’ City is all about giving young people the chance to express their ideas, thoughts and opinions through creative writing.

  • Stack of featured Balance the Books titles

    Balance the Books

    Discover brilliant new books by authors from underrepresented backgrounds

  • Proud Words

    Our LGBTQIA+ reading and creative writing project for young people

  • Arts Award

    Recognised qualifications that inspire young people to grow their arts and leadership talents

Past schools projects

  • Writing from Home

    Free self-led creative writing workshops for young people and schools

  • Creative Writing for Teachers

    Supporting teachers to develop their own creative writing practice

Gallery