Annual Writing Competition Winners

This year’s Hildegard Literary Prize invited students to respond to the theme Lighting Up the World, inspired by St Francis’ reminder that “All the light in the world cannot extinguish a single candle”. 

The competition once again revealed the incredible imagination and insight of our students, who explored how light — in all its forms — can endure, inspire, and transform.

Congratulations to our prize winners:

Cobblebank Junior Prize

Achraj Virk, Year 9 - Before the World Woke Up

A lyrical narrative about family, forgiveness, and the first light of new beginnings after conflict.

Before the World Woke Up Achraj Virk

Melton Junior Prize

Renee Furtado, Year 9 - Curtain Call

 An evocative piece portraying the theatre as a place where shimmer and spotlight shine against dust and decay, keeping dreams alive.

Curtain Call Renee Furtado

Melton Senior Prize

Abbey Phelan, Year 11- Finding Light

A moving exploration of loneliness and connection, where the warmth of Light reaches into the shadows of Nobody.

Finding Light Abbey Phelan

We thank all entrants for their inspiring contributions and celebrate the way each story, like a candle, brings its own light into the world.