In celebration of World Book Day, National Careers Week, and the grand opening of our newly relocated and refurbished school library, Stratton School held a truly inspiring literary event to celebrate World Book Day.
We welcomed Laura Noakes, a talented local author and former student of Stratton School (previously Stratton Upper School), to share her journey with their Year 7 and 8 students.
Press Release - 6.3.25
In celebration of World Book Day, National Careers Week, and the grand opening of their newly relocated and refurbished school library, Stratton School held a truly inspiring literary event this week.
The Biggleswade school, which is part of Meridian Trust, welcomed Laura Noakes, a talented local author and former student of Stratton School (previously Stratton Upper School), to share her journey with their Year 7 and 8 students.
Laura Noakes, known for her thrilling mystery novels for children and young adults, captivated students with insights into her writing journey and the creative process behind her books.
Her debut novel, Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star, published in 2023, and its exciting sequel, Cosima Unfortunate Foils a Fraud, released in May 2024, have been met with great enthusiasm. Laura’s work, often featuring heroines reflecting her own experiences as a disabled and chronically ill writer, resonated deeply with the students.
During the event, Laura engaged with students in a dynamic discussion about storytelling, perseverance, and the realities of book production. Her return to the spaces where she once studied made her success even more impactful, proving that dreams can be realised with dedication and passion.
Principal Sam Farmer shared his excitement about the event, stating: "Having Laura return to Stratton School as a successful author is truly inspiring for our students. We challenge every child at Stratton to be the best they can be and promote a ‘can do’ culture in which everyone is encouraged to strive for excellence. Laura’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and creativity, and I have no doubt that she has left a lasting impression on our young readers and aspiring writers.
“We are deeply grateful to Laura for her time, wisdom, and encouragement, and we look forward to welcoming more literary figures in the future to continue fostering a love for storytelling among our students.”
Laura also expressed her gratitude for the experience, saying, "It was such a privilege to return to my former school and share my love of storytelling with the students. Seeing their enthusiasm for books and writing was incredibly rewarding, and I hope my journey encourages them to follow their own creative dreams."
As part of this special occasion, students had the chance to purchase signed copies of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star. Many students eagerly collected their personalised books, further igniting their enthusiasm for reading and creative writing.
