Do you know a budding young storyteller bursting with ideas?
📚✍️ The BBC 500 Words competition is returning for 2025/26 – and it’s bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever.
When to Enter
Entries open at 8am on Tuesday 23 September 2025 and close at 9pm on Friday 7 November 2025. Children aged 5–11 are invited to take part in the UK’s largest story-writing competition.
Remember: it’s 500 words or less! Your story can be any length up to the maximum word count, so children shouldn’t feel pressured.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to all children aged 5–11, with two categories:
- 5–7 year-olds
- 8–11 year-olds
Spelling, punctuation, and grammar aren’t marked. It’s all about creativity, imagination, and having fun with words!
Why Take Part?
BBC 500 Words celebrates storytelling, inclusivity, and the joy of writing. Last year, 84% of teachers said their students were more engaged with literacy after entering. It’s the perfect way to encourage a love of reading and writing.
Plus, every story becomes part of the Oxford Children’s Language Report, helping researchers understand how children use language today.
The Prizes 🎉
The rewards are magical!
- 50 finalists will be invited to a star-studded grand final at Windsor Castle in February 2026, supported by Her Majesty Queen Camilla.
- Winning stories will be read aloud by celebrities on The One Show.
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners receive bundles of books – from the height of Sir Lenny Henry in books (Gold) to the average height of a child in their age category (Bronze).
- Gold winners also win 500 books for their school library.
- The six winning stories will be illustrated by top children’s illustrators, framed, and given to the winners as a keepsake.
Extra Incentives for Schools
- Schools with 50%+ free school meals can earn a £75 National Book Token.
- Every story (except winning entries) is entered into a random prize draw, with chances to win tickets to the final, book bundles, and even 500 books plus literacy wall art for the school.
Judges ✨
This year’s celebrity panel includes:
- Sir Lenny Henry
- Malorie Blackman
- Francesca Simon
- Charlie Higson
- Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Get Inspired!
Need help to get started? The BBC website has a treasure chest of inspiration:
- Animated films breaking down the storytelling process
- 5 Fab Story Hacks from Beano
- Creative resources from Crayola® Thinking Sheets
- Tips from past finalists
- A full Digital Learning Resources Pack
📺 Plus, the BBC has launched a 500 Words Live Lesson hosted by Sir Lenny Henry and Naomi Wilkinson – perfect for sparking classroom creativity.
Volunteer Judges
Teachers, TAs, SEND staff, and library staff can also sign up to become volunteer judges. Every volunteer will be entered into a draw to attend the grand final at Windsor Castle.
How to Enter
🌐 To find out more about the 500 Words competition head to bbc.co.uk/500words
🗓 Deadline for entries: Competition closes 9pm Friday 7 November 2025. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to bbc.co.uk/500words.
✨ Whether your child dreams of faraway galaxies, talking animals, or magical adventures, BBC 500 Words is their chance to let their imagination shine. Encourage them to pick up a pen (or keyboard) and tell their story – in 500 words or less!
