The BBC 500 Words competition is back for 2025/26, running from 8am Tuesday 23 September to 9pm Friday 7 November 2025. Open to children aged 5–11, it’s the UK’s biggest story-writing competition – and it’s all about creativity, not spelling or grammar.
Key Points for Teachers
- Age categories: 5–7 and 8–11.
- Word limit: 500 words or less – stories can be shorter.
- Accessibility: Open to all abilities; spelling, punctuation, and grammar aren’t marked.
- Be part of something bigger! Your class could help shape the future of children’s learning – every story becomes part of Oxford Children’s Language Report, helping researchers understand how children use language today.
- Sign up to be a volunteer judge and help find the next generation of storytellers
Prizes & Opportunities
- 50 finalists attend the grand final at Windsor Castle in February 2026, supported by Queen Camilla.
- Celebrity judges include Sir Lenny Henry, Malorie Blackman, Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
- Winners receive book bundles, illustrations, and Gold winners get 500 books for their school library.
Extra Incentives
- Schools with 50%+ free school meals submitting entries get a £75 National Book Token.
- Every story (except winners) enters a draw for tickets to the final, book bundles, and 500 books plus literacy wall art for the school.
Resources & Support
BBC provides animated films, story hacks, Crayola® thinking sheets, and a Digital Learning Resources Pack to inspire students. The 500 Words Live Lesson hosted by Sir Lenny Henry and Naomi Wilkinson is also available.
How to Enter
🌐 Visit bbc.co.uk/500words or search 500 Words for all details, resources, and the full terms and conditions.
🗓 Deadline: Friday 7 November 2025 at 9pm
Encourage your students to unleash their imagination and join the UK’s largest children’s story-writing competition. Every story counts, and every child can be a storyteller!
