The BBC Young Writers’ Award with Cambridge University 2021 is open to all writers between the ages of 14 –18 years and was created to discover the next generation of writers. Of the five stories shortlisted, two are from City alumnae Isabella Yeo Frank (2021) and Tabitha Rubens (2020).
Isabella joined City in year 7 and studied Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics for A-level. In her spare time, she likes to read contemporary fiction, dystopias and satire, go out with friends, play the bass guitar, make jewellery, and upcycle clothes. She began writing more regularly as a way of processing her thoughts and emotions at the end of 2020, when she faced worries and concerns about what she wanted to do in the future. Before submitting her story to the BBC Young Writers Award, she had never shown anyone her writing. Isabella will begin studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh this autumn and will continue to write.
Tabitha also joined the school in year 7 and studied Mandarin, Religious Studies and Mathematics for A-level. She was previously shortlisted for the BBC Young Writers Award in 2018, which gave her confidence in her writing. In November 2020, she won the HG Wells International Short Story Competition and is a member of the National Youth Theatre and the European Youth Parliament, representing the UK at international forums. Tabitha is currently studying Chinese at the University of Cambridge and in the future would love to be an author and illustrator. She is passionate about using writing as a medium to discuss important issues, such as mental health and environmental protection, and getting young peoples' voices heard.
You can listen to Isabella's story here.
You can listen to Tabitha's story here.
The winner will be announced live on Radio 4’s Front Row on Tuesday 19 October.
