The publication features an inspiring collection of original poetry and short stories written by a talented group of Key Stage 3 (KS3) students.

Our young writers took part in the First Story Young Writers Programme, a national initiative that gives students the opportunity to discover the power and pleasure of telling their own stories. Across a series of 16 workshops, students developed their creative skills, technical craft, and self-confidence under the guidance of Writer-in-Residence Oliver Sykes MBE.

Oliver brought immense literary expertise, warmth, patience, and encouragement to every session. His belief in the power of young voices helped create a safe, supportive space where students felt empowered to take creative risks and explore new writing styles. Beyond teaching technique, he showed students that their lived experiences, passions, and unique ideas are worthy of being published.

The project culminated in an evening launch event held in the Academy Library. Student authors read selections of their work aloud to an audience of family and friends.

"As editor of this anthology, I am very proud of every writer who has taken part in the programme, and I hope they are incredibly proud of themselves, too."

Quintessent Adolescent is much more than an anthology. For me, it’s a group of young writers being brave, being honest and refusing to go unheard.

— Oliver Sykes, MBE

Each student author was presented with a personal copy of the anthology to keep. In recognition of their achievement, a copy of the book has been officially deposited in the British Library, and additional copies are now available for students and staff to borrow from the Academy Library.