St. Aubyn’s Pupil Wins Royal Mint Museum Story Competition

Published by St Aubyn's School on Monday 4th of August 2025

We are delighted to share the exciting news that Myra, a talented pupil at St. Aubyn’s School, Woodford Green, has been named the overall winner of this year’s prestigious Royal Mint Museum Short Story Competition.

Her winning story was selected by wildlife presenter and author Michaela Strachan. Michaela praised Myra’s creativity and originality above all other entries.

“Not only did I find your story inspiring, but I thought you wrote it really well," Michaela said. "I really like the fact that you realised that sometimes to advance forward we have to look back at the past and learn from it – it really is a great story, Myra, well done!”

National Recognition for Winning the Royal Mint Museum Story Competition

The competition received nearly 700 submissions from across the country, celebrating young authors and their storytelling talents. Myra’s win is an exceptional achievement and a moment of great pride for both her and St. Aubyn’s.

As part of her prize, St. Aubyn’s School has been awarded a £5,000 voucher for books and library equipment, courtesy of Peters.co.uk.

Mr. Leo Milton shared the school’s plans for the funds, “Myra’s story highlights the importance of sustainability and the wisdom passed down through generations to care for our planet. Inspired by this theme of legacy, we’re choosing to use these gratefully received funds in a way that supports both current and future learners. 


Our assisted reading programme spans from Nursery to Year 4, and we’ll use the donation to purchase books that nurture early literacy across generations. In addition, we will invest in resources to support children with special educational needs, ensuring every child has the tools they need to thrive.”

A Special Prize and Presentation

Myra is to receive a beautiful annual set of Royal Mint commemorative coins, and her story has been brought to life with a bespoke illustration by professional artist Bronwen James. She will be presented with a framed copy of the artwork as a lasting keepsake. Copies will then be displayed proudly in the school library.

The official Royal Mint Museum Short Story Competition prize presentation took place at St. Aubyn’s on Monday, 23rd June, during an intimate ceremony attended by Myra and her parents, Head Mr. Louis Taylor, and representatives from the Royal Mint Museum.

The wider school community celebrated Myra’s success during a school assembly.
Celebrating Young Talent at St. Aubyn's School

St. Aubyn’s Head, Mr. Louis Taylor, commented:

“We’re incredibly proud of Myra and her success as a young writer. Her story not only reflects our core values of curiosity and a love of learning, but it also shows the power of creativity to inspire real change in the world.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Myra on this outstanding achievement. Her story captured the imagination of the judges and stood out in an incredibly competitive field.”
📚 Where imagination takes flight – start your child’s story at St. Aubyn’s School