Volunteer with the Orwell Youth Prize!
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual writing Prize for young people in secondary school years 7-13, using the writing of George Orwell as a starting point to encourage entrants to think and write about the world they live in. We encourage entries in all forms of writing, from poetry to essays, articles, stories, scripts and even game design. The 2025 Prize theme is ‘Freedom is...'
We have two volunteering opportunities:
Personalised Feedback
Uniquely, we offer personalised feedback to every young writer on a first draft. Entrants can then develop their writing further and submit again with a final draft. Our feedback aims to go beyond that typically offered within a formal academic setting; encompassing grammatical and stylistic advice as well as encouragement and suggestions for further reading around a subject area. This opportunity provides young people without strong academic support networks the chance for constructive advice on their writing from skilled individuals. We believe this shouldn’t be a privilege isolated to those at the best schools.
Shortlisting
The Orwell Youth Prize prides itself on its robust and transparent judging process. All entries are anonymised and read by at least two readers as a way to whittle down a final shortlist which goes to our judges.
This year, we're set to hit a record number of entries, and we'd love UCL students to apply to be Volunteer Readers with The Orwell Youth Prize, to provide feedback and/or read and review entries for our shortlist.
The Orwell Youth Prize prides itself on its unique feedback offer, and its robust and transparent judging process. We are looking for readers to provide thoughtful, constructive, encouraging feedback and/or to review entries for our shortlist.
Ideally, we work with volunteers who are comfortable reading and assessing work across writing genres, given that young people enter writing in multiple forms including poetry, short stories, essays and journalism. However, we can work to build a volunteering opportunity tailored to your expertise in a certain form.
We provide online induction training and a volunteer handbook, and our team are available to support and answer any questions throughout the process.
- Tuesday 25th November 1-2pm
- Wednesday 26th November 5:30-6:30pm
- Monday 2nd December 1-2pm
Sign up form and more details will be provided when volunteers register interest.
Volunteers will also be provided with a comprehensive volunteer handbook, volunteer code of conduct, and deadlines to return feedback/shortlisting decisions.