Canterbury Christ Church University has helped bring the creative voices of young people across East Kent into print through the launch of a new anthology celebrating the region’s landscape, culture, and heritage.
Students from schools across the East Kent Schools Together (EKST) partnership have seen their work published in a professionally produced anthology through the EKST Anthology Project 2025-26.
Launched at a special event as part of Canterbury Unlocked, the anthology showcases a diverse range of writing inspired by East Kent, giving young authors the opportunity to see their work published and shared with a wider audience.
The project was led by Canterbury Christ Church University academics Professor Carolyn Oulton and Danny Rhodes in partnership with EKST, an innovative collaboration between independent and state schools and university partners across the region.
Professor Carolyn Oulton, Professor of Victorian Literature at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “We wanted to showcase young people’s voices, giving their perspective on the history and landscape of East Kent, and what it means to them to live and study here in the 21st century.”
Students were invited to submit original work in any genre, including short stories and poetry, with selected entries chosen for publication. The anthology reflects a wide variety of perspectives and experiences, while highlighting the creativity and talent of young writers across East Kent.
Gabrielle Grant, EKST Project Lead, said: “Through the EKST partnership, we are proud to create opportunities that bring young people together, amplify their voices, and connect them with the rich cultural landscape around them. Working alongside Canterbury Christ Church University has made it possible to turn students’ poetry and prose into a professionally published collection they can take real pride in.
Gabrielle added: “This project is a wonderful example of what collaboration across schools and universities can achieve.”
As the original university partner within EKST, Canterbury Christ Church University has played a key role in supporting the project and creating opportunities for young people to develop their creative and literary skills.
The anthology forms part of a wider celebration of East Kent’s cultural and literary heritage. Selected contributors will have the opportunity to share their work publicly at the Canterbury Heritage Expo later this year, helping to showcase the voices of the next generation of writers.