A special launch took place to unveil The Gods Amongst Us

A group of students from a secondary school in Kilburn have penned their first ever book.

The pupils from St Augustine’s High School in Oxford Road, held a special launch for their novel titled The Gods Amongst Us.

The book, written by 16 students across years 10 to 13, was a result of a partnership between St. Augustine’s and First Story, a literary charity that provides inner-city schools with a writer for a year and publishes an anthology of their best work.

Sally Gardner, who was recently awarded the 2013 Carnegie Award for her novel Maggot Moon, was there to show her support, along with resident First Story writer Philip Womack.

James Casey, Head of English at St. Augustine’s said: “This evening is a really special moment for our students.

“Our English results are outstanding and a project like this proves that our students are here for more than exam results – they want to take pride in something that is of their own making and will last forever.

“They have learned valuable skills and have grown in confidence.

“We are all very proud of their achievements and grateful to First Story and Philip Womack for their dedication.”

Chris Rhodes, an English teacher at St. Augustine’s, added: ‘It’s heart-warming to see their reactions – one student told me that this was the best day of her life!”

The school has made the anthology available to buy via its website and will continue its work with First Story.