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Award winning writer inspires hundreds of students

More than 700 students from schools in Exeter and East Devon were inspired by a visit of BAFTA winning storyteller, writer and poet Dean Atta thanks to Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.

Dean came to Devon as part of the festival’s Schools Programme and made a huge impact on students and teachers during his visit. He is the latest author to be hosted by the festival in its ongoing programme of taking authors and illustrators into primary and secondary schools in the area.

During his tour, he worked with more than 700 young people in a series of assemblies, workshops and discussion groups at Exmouth Community College, West Exe High School Exeter, Colyton Grammar and St Peter’s High School Exeter.

David Marston, who is a member of the festival’s education committee, said: “Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival has charitable aims which are to promote a love of reading and writing in the East Devon area. One of the ways we do this is by taking authors into schools.

“Dean Atta is someone who we have wanted to engage with for a long time. He is an incredibly charismatic person and immediately put the young people at ease, inspiring them to be creative and to express themselves with confidence. His sessions encouraged students to explore their own voices, share their stories, and see the power of words as a tool for self-expression and connection. The feedback from both pupils and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and it is clear that his visit has left a lasting impression.

David added: “Opportunities like this are at the heart of what we aim to achieve through our Schools Programme – bringing high-quality literary experiences directly to young people and helping to nurture the next generation of readers and writers.”

Dean Atta is an award-winning writer and performer best known for his powerful work exploring identity, belonging, and self-expression. He won a BAFTA for his contribution to the BBC series Life and Rhymes and is widely celebrated for his acclaimed young adult verse novel The Black Flamingo, which follows a mixed-race gay teenager discovering his voice through poetry and drag. His other works include Only on the Weekends and Confetti, all of which resonate strongly with young audiences.

Feedback from participating schools was overwhelmingly positive, with both students and staff highlighting the lasting impact of Dean’s visit.

Sixth form students from Exmouth Community College said they had been left inspired by the workshop. Jessica Waite said: “This experience was incredibly inspiring. I left with a new-found sense of self.”

And fellow sixth former Arianna Breen added: “A truly unique and inspiring workshop. Dean Atta’s radiance and enthusiasm is tremendously contagious!”

Teachers also emphasised the deeper, long-term value of the experience. Jane Rose, Literacy Co-ordinator at West Exe School described it as a ‘truly wonderful author event’. She added: “I really feel that in 20 years’ time, one of our students will be saying: “I became a writer because…” about the event.”

Staff at other schools echoed this enthusiasm. Charlotte Bean, Librarian at Colyton Grammar School, said: “He was wonderful and it was a fantastic opportunity for the students, so we are really grateful. I’ve had great feedback from both students and staff who attended the talk. Please do pass our thanks on to Dean.”

Kathy Hamilton, Head of English at St Peter’s School, Exeter, said: “Today was fabulous. We really loved Dean and his energy, openness and willingness to connect with our students. We had lovely feedback from our students.”