Two Harrodian Prep pupils have reached the final shortlist of the Arts Richmond Young Writers Competition, an annual event supported by the distinguished author Anthony Horowitz.
Nearly 800 children entered the competition which required entrants asked to write a poem or a short piece on either one of two themes: 'Something Extraordinary' and 'My World'. Solveig of the 9s (Year 5) responded to the Something Extraordinary option with The Ballerina Box, a brillant short story in the magical tradition of Hans Christian Andersen.
Meanwhile, 10s (Year 6) pupil Olivia was inspired by the My World brief to write a poem grounded in her own neurodivergent experience of life. My World: Confuzzling is my lot! is a poem in five verses, one for each day of the school week whose structure and language vividly and evocatively reveal the personal effort required in facing and meeting the contradictory challenges of ADHD and dyslexia. As Olivia brilliantly puts it:
Dyslexia Thursday - I need 2 alarms!
Confuzzling is my lot.
I'm similar to you, but not'.
A tickle of curiosity ran down my spine as I peered inside (the cupboard), studying its contents intently. My eyes were drawn to a little wooden box.
From 'The Ballerina Box' by Solveig, 9s (Year 5)
The Head, Mr Hooke, met both girls in his office on Wednesday morning and listened entranced as they read their stories. Each of them was presented with café vouchers and the Head also had a special surprise to show the girls. The Ballerina Box story reminded Mr Hooke of a family heirloom – a beautiful music box that belonged to his mother which he brought into to show and share with them.
You can read Solveig and Olivia’s work by following this link. The shortlisted awards will be read and the winners announced at a Gala Awards Event at the The Exchange Twickenham on Sunday March 15th 2026