Story House Marks Seventh Year of Celebrating Young Dorset Talent
DOMVS welcomed schools, families and young writers from across the county to celebrate the seventh year of its Story House children’s writing competition at an awards ceremony held on Monday 12th January at Dorchester Corn Exchange.
Delivered in collaboration with Academy and Emmy Award winner Lord Julian Fellowes and Lady Fellowes, the annual competition continues to attract young writers from schools across Dorset, with this year marking the highest number of participating schools and entries since the competition began.
A total of 124 handwritten short stories were submitted by pupils aged 5-12, each inspired by a creative opening line written by Lord Fellowes: “I will always remember how I felt in that moment.”
Following careful judging by Lord and Lady Fellowes, 35 exceptional entries were shortlisted and invited to attend the ceremony with their families. Winners were announced on the day by Lady Fellowes, with successful entrants receiving certificates and prizes in recognition of their creativity, imagination and storytelling skill.
- Overall Winner: Rokaya, age 11, Dorchester Middle School
- Runner-Up: Ivy, age 8, Radipole Primary School
- Highly Commended: William, age 11, Perrott Hill
- Highly Commended: Ebby, age 10, St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School
- Highly Commended: Esme, age 10, Dunbury Church of England Academy
Polly Greenway, CEO of DOMVS, said: “To see Story House reach its seventh year, with more schools taking part than ever before, is incredibly rewarding. It is a privilege to provide a platform where young writers feel celebrated and confident in their creativity. We are hugely thankful to Lord and Lady Fellowes for their continued encouragement and involvement, which is so valued by the children and schools, and we’re delighted that Story House is now firmly a cornerstone of Dorset’s creative education calendar.”
Among the schools participating for the first time this year was Dunbury Church of England Academy, where one pupil achieved a Highly Commended award and placed in the top five overall.
Mrs Joanna Stoker, EYFS Lead at Dunbury Church of England Academy, commented: “A huge thank you for making us feel so welcome at the Story House event and for coordinating the project. The competition caused an exciting buzz around writing, both in the build-up to entering and again before the prize-giving presentation, and we are already looking forward to taking part again next year.”
Mrs Charlotte Noyce, Head of English at Sunninghill Prep School, said: “We are always delighted to take part in the DOMVS Story House competition. It’s a wonderful event that celebrates children’s creativity and gives young writers a real sense of pride in their work. The competition is organised with great care, and the prizegiving is always a memorable occasion for our pupils and their families. Having been involved since the very first year, we have seen how inspiring and confidence‑boosting the experience is for our pupils. It’s a joyful celebration of storytelling that truly benefits the children”.
Lord and Lady Fellowes jointly added: “Each year we are struck by how thoughtfully young writers respond to the opening line. The stories this year were imaginative, perceptive and full of individuality. Encouraging children to express themselves through writing builds confidence and curiosity, and it is a pleasure to celebrate the commitment and creativity shown by pupils across Dorset.”
Story House is open to primary, first and middle schools throughout Dorset, with pupils encouraged to submit handwritten short stories in English inspired by a creative prompt. Entries for the 2026/27 competition will open later this year, continuing DOMVS’ commitment to nurturing imagination, literacy and confidence in young people across the county.
For more information about how to get involved, visit: domvs.co.uk/storyhouse/
Media Contact
Polly Greenway
DOMVS
T. 01305 757300
