Leeds City College

Learners from Leeds City College’s 14+ Academies celebrated the launch of their anthology, Life, a collection of short fiction and poetry that deal with themes of life and death.

Started in January 2025, around 30 students contributed to the project, which was led by English teacher, John Davison, and is the second anthology that the 14+ Academies have produced. The students participated in creative discussions, English lessons, and even a workshop by renowned British sci-fi author and Hugo Award winner Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Personal stories brought to Life

Comprising 62 works and split into seven chapters – ‘our seven stages of life’ – the anthology explores adolescence, the universe, and what life means to them.

The English department worked with learners on editing and structural suggestions. However, Life is learner-led and shaped by the personal experiences of the authors.

Some students delve into poignant topics, for example, Evie J, who explores what it is like to be a child aware of difficult dynamics between parents and trying to find purpose.

This is also the case in the chapter ‘Changing your life’, which holds a selection of very personal pieces that ponder self-confidence, self-acceptance, and the lifelong battle to find both, despite tough life experiences.

Other works look at life’s anxieties through a dry and humorous lens. In ‘My Bad Memory’ by Lewis M, the protagonist recalls feeling horror at ‘It’, a vicious ‘thing’ that attacks them, for what feels like forever, due to the protagonist’s inability to remember its viciousness.

Or, in ‘Are you sure you want to load’, Tyler F posits what life would be if, like in a video game, you had the power to save, load and reload moments in your life, curating your reality through endless loops.

John Davison said:

‘I admire the honesty that some learners have shown in their submissions, bearing their hearts and personalities in places. While in others you can read wild fiction of the most imaginative kind.’

A celebration of student literature

At the book launch, learners from the 14+ Academies enjoyed refreshments, a congratulatory video from John Davison’s mother (who supported with proofreading), and a live piano performance from one of the students.

Also in attendance were budding illustrators from Leeds Sixth Form College’s graphic design courses who provided imagery for the cover and sections.

During the event, Luther K gave a reading of their brilliant piece, Jules’ Untimely Death, a witty and characterful story about the consequences of trying to summon death before its time. Reading the full story to the group of fellow learners, Luther drew laughs and applause from their peers, showcasing the heartwarming strength of support between Life’s authors.

Luther said: ‘I haven’t had the opportunity to write something like this before, but I felt like the idea was in me. It feels great and I’m really proud of what I have done. I can’t wait to show my family.’

Life is available to buy (£4) via the 14+ Academies’ online shop