Led by former BBC and Channel 4 Head of Drama John Yorke, the Writers’ Academy will offer writers in the early stage of their careers the chance to develop their skills on some of the BBC’s long-running drama series.

The paid scheme will see successful applicants complete an intensive 13-week classroom period, followed by three months scripting episodes of Casualty, Holby City and EastEnders.

Participants will graduate with up to four scripts to their name, and will have their services optioned by BBC Studios for the next two years.

Freelance drama producer John Yorke, who has worked on hits including Life on Mars, Shameless and Wolf Hall, will run weekly individual tutorials on dramatic techniques, and candidates will also benefit from masterclasses from some of the UK’s biggest creative talent.

The BBC Studios Writers’ Academy follows on from the original BBC Writers Academy, also created and designed by John Yorke, which ran from 2005 to 2013.

Former alumni of the previous academy include Tahsin Guner, whose drama Killed By My Debt won an RTS award in March, Grantchester creator Daisy Coulam, and Tom Bidwell, who created My Mad Fat Diary and wrote the recent adaptation of Watership Down.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing a new version of the Academy back to the BBC,” commented Yorke. “Writers are at the very heart of TV drama and it’s brilliant that BBC Studios – and now the wider independent community – have come on board to invest in the next generation of talent.”

Applications for the training scheme open on Monday 8th April and close on Tuesday 7th May. Click here to find out more.

Watch Jeff Pope's drama masterclass: