STUDENTS from Oxford's Cherwell School have been praised for their part in the 2018 BBC Student Critics’ Award.

Judge and BBC Radio 4 books editor Di Speirs hailed the 'intelligent responses' of around 30 students, who were some of the first nationwide invited to take part in the BBC's National Short Story Award - organised with Cambridge University - which is one of the country's most prestigious short story awards.

The initiative aimed to encourage 16 – 18 year olds to read critically and express opinions confidently.

Student were given access to the shortlisted anthology and spent three weeks shadowing the judging process.

Year 12 student Kate Brammeier McCrisken hailed the 'brilliant experience' and said: "It gave me an opportunity to explore a different type of story I hadn't analysed before. The experience also pushed me to new levels of public speaking; by being able to talk about something I am passionate about."

English teacher Charlotte Richer, who led the group, praised their engagement, openness and 'incisive discussions'.