Five exceptional stories made this year’s shortlist.
We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2025 Florence Staniforth Student Fiction Prize.
Year after year, this prestigious prize showcases an extraordinary collection of short stories penned by talented students from across all disciplines at the College. Our students consistently impress with their creativity, insight, and unique voices.
The Florence Staniforth Fiction Prize has a proud history of recognising emerging literary talent. This year's competition has once again delivered an exceptional standard of writing, with captivating submissions, offering fresh perspectives on a diverse range of themes.
The panel of judges is led by Fellow Emerita in English, Dr Isobel Maddison. Also on the panel is published author, Nicola Garrard, and Creative Writing Teacher and Writer, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Speller.
Meet the 2025 shortlist
- Jade Scardham - The Quite House
Jade is a PhD student studying canine genetics of obesity in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and a member of Lucy Cavendish College. She is also an artist and writer focusing on fantasy, horror and sci-fi. She particularly enjoys writing creepy stories and designing creatures and characters.
- Abigail Moss - Contortions
Abigail is studying the MSt in Creative Writing. She lives in London and works in communications for the charity sector. She is currently writing her debut novel.
- Benedetta Mancusi - Controra
Benedetta is a prose writer and poet currently in her first year of the MSt in Creative Writing programme. She lives in London and works in digital marketing. An avid reader of contemporary Gothic fiction, she draws inspiration from her homeland, Apulia, as well as the lineage of eccentric women she descends from.
- Isaac Ohringer - Monk Story
Isaac is a first-year domestic student reading History. Outside of his studies, Isaac does kendo, small-bore rifle shooting, and debate. At home, he enjoys reading, creative writing, gaming, and cycling. His writing generally uses historical events and first-hand experiences to explore dilemmas that result from change, be it U-boats or the usurpation of Edward II.
- Edward Rous - Stillness and its Few Remedies
Edward is a third year undergraduate reading English. He spends most of his time thinking about, or else talking about, the works of Anne Carson. Two of his prose poems are in the upcoming 'The Mays Anthology 33'. When he grows up, he would like to be a flâneur.
Nicola Garrard says, “Choosing the Florence Staniforth Fiction Prize shortlist was an exceptionally difficult task for our panel of three judges – but our choice of winner was unanimous. The submissions were by turns literary and commercial; playful and polished; personal and political. I’m so excited to meet the three shortlisted writers and announce the winner at this year’s very special 15th anniversary Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize award ceremony in May. I won’t say anymore for now – except that, if our Florence Staniforth Prize winner does not go on to write a best-selling novel one day, I will eat my hat. Literary agents, you have been warned!”
Dr Isobel Maddison, adds, “The judges thoroughly enjoyed reading the 2025 entries for the Florence Staniforth Prize, & there was a great deal of lively debate about the shortlist. We were impressed by the standard overall & it’s clear there are plenty of talented writers in college. We loved the unusual perspectives & fresh voices uncovered by the prize this year. Well done to everyone who submitted!”
We extend our warmest congratulations to all the students who submitted their work. The standard was incredibly high, and your dedication to the craft of storytelling is truly commendable.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 winner, who will be awarded £100 and will be revealed on the evening of the main Fiction Prize award ceremony.