Announcing this year’s finalists
This year’s theme, “Freedom is…”, sparked a record number of entries from young writers across the UK. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, whether you entered your work, joined a workshop, or were one of over 1000 entrants who received feedback from our volunteers. Your ideas matter, and we’re proud you shared them with us.
Inspired by the work of George Orwell and his vision of a decent society where thought is free, truth valued, and brave writing celebrated, the prize invites young people across the UK to reflect on the world around them and write both creatively and critically.
With the help of our brilliant team of volunteer readers, who also offer individual feedback to every entrant who requests it, we have shortlisted 45 standout entries for our judges Anthony Anaxagorou, Manveen Rana, and Gary Snapper to consider.
We are excited to share the shortlist below. Congratulations, all.
Years 7, 8, and 9
Mathew Bill, George Burlington, Layyen Choaibi, Winter Docx, Harry Elgott, Luka Golubovic, Faye Henderson, Aanya Jain, Alexander Kariyawasam, Jiwoo Lee, Ysée Laval Cheilan, Hasah Mirza, Merryn Reynolds Thurston, Victoria Rudz, Jenna Thaker, Daisy Wilkinson.
Years 10 to 11
Denisa Barincova, Rhea Bhatia, Lewis Farman, Bea Glover, Ruby Gatinot, Ziyana Kabir, Tanvisri Karri, Alys Watts, Lisa Masliukova, Anna Longa, Elena Lee, Vivienne Yii En Lim, Jeena Patara, Kieran Sharma, Chloe Soerjanto, Aafke de Vries, Arianne Charlemagne.
Years 12 to 13
Eleni Barrett, Maya Elton, Jacob Edward Goodhew Filler, Ali Ghias, Ellie Gladwin, Angelika Gwiazda, Emilia Jenkins, Benjamin McEwan, Zayn Kubba, Niamh Poppleton, Bea Unwin, Zuzia Wojciechowska.
Thank you again to all our entrants, and congratulations to this year’s shortlisted young writers. The winners and runners-up of the Orwell Youth Prize 2025 will be announced at the Orwell Prize ceremony on 25 June.