Pupils from schools across Merseyside gathered to celebrate their stories, which have been published in a festival anthology available online.
Split into two categories by year group, the winners were:
- Years 7-9: Echoes of Us by Julia H, St Edward's College
- Years 10-11: June 6th by Lyla D, St Edward's College
Now in its second year, and delivered in partnership with Liverpool ONE, the competition invited schoolchildren from across the Liverpool City Region to write a short story on the theme of 'Anniversaries', marking the 10th anniversary of last year's Liverpool Literary Festival. All entries were reviewed by a panel from the University of Liverpool.
Festival Director Professor Greg Lynall, Head of English at the University of Liverpool commented: "The judges were incredibly impressed with the quality of entries this year. Each pupil approached the theme of 'anniversaries' with imagination and insight, and it was very difficult to choose between so many inspiring stories. We've found some very worthy winners and runners-up, but I hope all entrants will continue writing."
As well as the prize giving, the winners and their classmates visited the University for a campus tour and took part in an interactive lecture on creativity and play in literature with Dr Alex Broadhead. Together they explored examples from Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky, James Joyce's Finnegans Wake and Anthony Joseph's The African Origins of UFOs.
Local author Dee Benson and Professor Greg Lynall presented the winners and runners‑up with prizes - vouchers kindly donated by Liverpool ONE.
On receiving their prizes, the winners said:
Julia H: "I felt really honoured to have my writing read aloud in front of everyone. It made me proud to see my work recognised and to be part of such a special event."
Lyla D: "It was a strange but exciting experience hearing my writing read aloud, and I'm really glad I took part. I enjoyed the day so much and feel proud to have been involved."
Donna Howitt, Deputy Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, said: "It's been a real honour to once again be part of the Liverpool Literary Festival Schools Writing Competition - the breadth of talent across our region is incredible and it's truly inspiring to see such passion among our young people.
"I'd like to congratulate the winners on their achievements and also thank all those who entered and showcased their skills."
Runners‑up and commended
Years 7-9 Category
Runner‑up: August by Jessica F B, Calderstones School
Commended:
- The Fake Sister by Scarlett H, The Birkenhead Park School
- Fifty Years of Bebington FC by Logan D, St John Plessington Catholic College
- The Tale of the Great Pale Count by David S, The Birkenhead Park School
- A Promise in the Dark by Hallie M, The Birkenhead Park School
- The Day We Fell Apart by Anna H, St Edward's College
- A Friend to Remember by Havien T, St Hilda's Church of England High School
- Echoes Through the Smoke by Ellysa B, St John Bosco Arts College
Years 10-11 Category
Runner‑up: A Year Without Him by Millie S, St Edward's College
Commended:
- Concept of Time by Niamh S, St Edward's College
- If Only by James S, St Hilda's Church of England High School
- Silent Reminders by Emily R, St John Bosco Arts College
You can read the winning short stories in full online here.
This year's Liverpool Literary Festival takes place from Friday 16 October to Sunday 18 October 2026. You can sign up to the mailing list to receive exclusive updates on the line-up and be the first to hear about ticket sales on https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/literary-festival/.
Winners, Julia and Lyla are pictured with Liverpool Literary Festival Director, Professor Greg Lynall
