A 15-year-old pupil from St Augustine’s Priory in Ealing has been named the national winner of the Girls’ School Association (GSA) Senior Writing Award 2025 in the 14–18 category.
Anoushka, a Year 10 student, secured the win with her short story The Day Everything Split, a piece that explores the lives of two young sisters facing a life-altering moment. This year’s theme, “Be Bold,” prompted entries from schools across the UK, but it was Anoushka’s story that captivated the judging panel.
The GSA Writing Award is designed to encourage and showcase the literary talents of girls in member schools. Anoushka, who said she was surprised to win, is already being hailed as a young writer to watch.
Hannah Barnes, journalist and associate editor of the New Statesman, who judged the competition said: “Anoushka’s writing is simply beautiful. From the opening sentence which grabbed me immediately, this piece is outstanding. The piece stayed with me long after I had read, and re-read, it.”
The results were announced during the GSA’s Summer Briefing on Monday (16 June 2025). St Augustine’s Priory headteacher Christine Macallister said of Anoushka’s win: “We are delighted and proud.”
Anoushka’s story can be read on the GSA website.
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