How One Cheltenham Boy’s Story is Changing the Way Kids Learn to Write

Seeing our classrooms come alive with oracy and imagination was amazing. The children were bouncing ideas off each other, sharing their creativity, and truly engaging with writing in a way we hadn’t seen before."

– Tom Hirst, Head of English and Year 6 Teacher, Bradford

It was amazing, you feel proud and free!”

– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop

Bringing in published authors made writing feel real for our students. It helped them see that their words matter, that they too can be writers." 

– English Lead, Bradford Academy

I believed in myself so I could create things I didn’t even know I could do.” 

– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop

From the very start of the session every pupil was engaged and couldn't wait to get started, pupils felt empowered and that they could use their own voice.  Taking away boundaries of grammatical perfection freed up creativity.” 

– Mrs Light : Quality of Education Leader, StoryQuest™ Workshop

I like writing my own story with no rules… I’m looking forward to finishing my story and to make more with only my rules! Not anybody else’s.” 

– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop

This whole experience has transformed the way our students view writing. They now see themselves as writers, and we can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!"

– Year 6 Teacher, Manningham

Now my brain feels better after I let my imagination out.”

– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop

This programme has had a genuinely transformative effect on our pupils’ engagement with reading and writing. By placing creativity and storytelling at the heart of the process, it has re-ignited a sense of excitement and ownership in literacy that we don’t always see through more traditional approaches.” 

– Mr Khan, Teacher StoryQuest™ Workshop

It was fun because I got to write what I wanted. I’m hoping I’ll make someone happy if they read my book!”

– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop

Writing has never been easy for some of our students, particularly some of the boys. But today, they were eager, engaged, and didn’t want to stop. Seeing that level of enthusiasm was just incredible." 

– Year 6 Teacher, Bradford

I was proud because I have never written a story with as much detail as this one" 

– Yr 6, Bradford

We sometimes forget about writing for pleasure and what that can do for our kids.  A lot of boys and girls have a fear of the blank page, you can do all the teaching, but they sort of shut down when asked to write a story. It was a really lovely experience to see them really joyful, talking about their stories they loved it.” 

– Mr Hirst, Head of English, StoryQuest™ Workshop

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to do this. You have really inspired me!"

– Yr 6, Bradford

Hearing students use ambitious vocabulary without relying on a model or word wall made us so proud. Their ideas flowed naturally, and they truly started thinking like writers."

– Year 6 Teacher, Manningham

Normally the teacher tells us what to do. But this time we were free.” 

– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop

Kate and Mary delivered a truly inspiring and unique session based on The Adventures of Gabriel. Their approach ignited the children’s imaginations and encouraged creative writing without limits.  

– Ben Linsel, Year 6 Teacher & KS2 Lead

I felt good because I wrote my first actual story"

– Yr 6, Bradford

Every child felt included, supported, and empowered to express their ideas freely. It was a motivating experience where every voice was heard and every idea celebrated.A brilliant session that left a lasting impact!Peer assessment played a huge role.Students questioned each other’s choices, refined their ideas, and thought deeply about their audience. A simple old man in a story became a demon disguised as a professor—their imagination was unstoppable!"

____Teacher, Bradford

– Ben Linsel, Year 6 Teacher & KS2 Lead

It made me feel proud and responsible to be able to make my own story without support or a plan.” 

– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop

Pupils really worked well with their scribe partners, allowing a first draft of their story to be spoken, not written. Pupils also loved giving feedback and adjusting their planning.  I could see throughout the day confidence growing, particularly for previously reluctant writers. Pupils cannot wait to see their published stories and share them across our school community and beyond.” 

– Mrs Light : Quality of Education Leader, StoryQuest™ Workshop

It felt really exciting because I've never done something like this before. I was also happy that it was a story we made by ourself." 

– Yr 6, Bradford

As Year 6 teachers, we are used to structured learning, especially in the run-up to SATs. Letting go and allowing students the freedom to write was daunting at first, but the results were incredible. They took ownership, structured their ideas, and embraced their creativity."

– English Lead, Bradford Academy

It was very good and made me wake up." 

– Yr 6, Bradford

We’ve particularly noticed how the freedom to imagine, explore, and express ideas without strict constraints has empowered pupils to take risks in their writing and develop confidence in their own voices. Staff have also responded positively, commenting on the joy and energy pupils bring back to the classroom after participating.” 

– Mr Khan, Teacher StoryQuest™ Workshop

My brain feels better after I let my imagination out." 

– Bradford Student, 2025

Every child felt included, supported, and empowered to express their ideas freely. It was a motivating experience where every voice was heard and every idea celebrated. A brilliant session that left a lasting impact!

– Ben Linsel, Year 6 Teacher & KS2 Lead