Inaugural Winfield Literacy Award winners are annnounced

Hulme Grammar School has announced the winners of the inaugural Winfield Literacy Award for Oldham, a competition designed to inspire young writers and promote literacy across the local community.

After an overwhelming response from talented young writers across Oldham, the winners have been selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including authors, educators, and alumni.

The award ceremony took place at the Madeleine Lindley Book Centre in Oldham, where the winners received their certificates and prizes.

Special guests in attendance included the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Zahid Chauhan, and Chaddy the Owl, the beloved mascot of Oldham Athletic, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The Winfield Literacy Award was launched to address literacy challenges in the region and to encourage a love of reading and writing among young people.

The competition invited entrants to submit a 500-word short story, with prizes generously sponsored by Madeleine Lindley, Oldham Athletic and Hulme Grammar School alumni.

The winners of the 2025 Winfield Literacy Award are:

Age 5 - 7 Winner: Aira Waseem - Esme and the Lost Star

Age 8 - 13 Winner: Mikaeel Iqbal - If I Had One Wish

Age 14 - 18 Winner: Ayaan Hussain - The Last Train to Oldham

Winners receive a £50 book voucher and £500 in books for their school.

Hulme Grammar School Co Head, John Budding, expressed his pride in the initiative’s success.

He said: "We are thrilled with the incredible enthusiasm shown by young writers across Oldham.

"The standard of entries was truly outstanding, and it has been inspiring to see so many young people engage with storytelling.

"Our aim was to foster a love for reading and writing, and we are excited to see the impact this award has on literacy in our community."

Rachelle Carter, Director at Madeleine Lindley, added: "We are incredibly proud to support the Winfield Literacy Award and to see the joy it has brought to so many young writers.

"Literacy is the foundation of learning, and initiatives like this help instil a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.

"Congratulations to all the winners and participants!"

Martin Vose, Head of Community at Oldham Athletic Community Trust, said: "Encouraging young people to express themselves through writing is an incredible initiative, and we are delighted to be part of it.

"Creativity and literacy go hand in hand, and it’s wonderful to see the impact this competition has had on the local community.

"Well done to all involved!"

The competition is part of a wider literacy initiative at Hulme Grammar School, which saw the school’s library renamed the Winfield Library in honour of former headmistress Miss Margaret Winfield.

Creative writing and literacy workshops have also been hosted at the school to support budding young writers.

Hulme Grammar School extends its gratitude to all participants, judges, sponsors, and supporters who made this inaugural competition a success.

Plans are already underway for next year’s competition, with hopes to expand the initiative even further.

For more information on the Winfield Literacy Award and how to get involved in future competitions, please visit: www.hulmegrammar.org

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