Explore student competitions.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK short story competition where children write an original story of up to 500 words. Open to children aged 5–11 living in the UK, with separate categories for ages 5–7 and 8–11. Rated Beginner Level, with difficulty mainly coming from originality, storytelling and expressing a complete idea within a short word limit.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK poetry competition where students write an original poem on any theme and in any style. Open to young people aged 12–18 living in the UK. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from originality, poetic technique and competitive judging.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK poetry competition where primary-school pupils create an original poem in any style. Open to children aged 4–11 through participating UK schools. Rated Beginner Level, with difficulty mainly coming from creativity, self-expression and developing an original poem.

QUICK SUMMARY

A UK short story competition where young writers submit an original work of fiction of up to 1,000 words. Open to young people aged 14–18 living in the UK. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from originality, narrative craft and highly competitive national judging.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, these subject essay prizes are intended for eligible secondary students who submit individual written work online. Because annual subjects and eligibility can change, entrants should confirm the current Peterhouse page before choosing a question. The main challenge is developing an independent argument, selecting convincing evidence and sustaining precise academic writing within the stated brief.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this UK poetry competition is for students aged at least 16 and under 19 who are in secondary education. Entrants submit one anonymous poem responding to the annual theme for judging and cash prizes. The main challenge is developing an original poetic idea while controlling imagery, sound, lineation and editing within a single polished submission.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Beginner, this UK creative-writing competition is for primary pupils aged 7–12, with schools or families able to use the published submission route. Entrants create a short original story within the stated word limit for judging and possible publication. The main challenge is building a complete, entertaining idea with vivid language in very little space.

QUICK SUMMARY

Stranger Sagas is an online UK creative-writing competition for secondary-age students, with entries accepted through schools or the published family route. Writers submit an original story for judging and possible publication. The main challenge is creating a distinctive setting and plot, sustaining tension and character, and delivering a satisfying narrative within the competition's required length.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this international online writing competition is open to eligible Commonwealth participants aged 18 or under, using the published age category and topic. Entrants submit an individual original response. The main challenge is interpreting a broad theme with a distinctive perspective, then controlling voice, structure and detail well enough to engage readers across different Commonwealth contexts.

QUICK SUMMARY

Wild Wonders is a UK poetry competition for young writers aged 4–18, with schools or families using the published submission route. Entrants create an original nature-themed poem for judging, possible publication and prizes. The main challenge is choosing vivid, specific language and shaping a complete response that feels personal while remaining clear within the competition's length guidance.

QUICK SUMMARY

An England and Wales debating competition where school teams argue for or against motions on current and controversial issues. Open to students aged 11–18 in Years 7–13, with one team of three speakers representing each school. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from argument construction, rebuttal, teamwork and competitive multi-round judging.

QUICK SUMMARY

An England and Wales public speaking competition where school teams take on the roles of speaker, chairperson and questioner. Open to students aged 13–16 in Years 9–11 at schools in England and Wales. Rated Intermediate Level, with difficulty mainly coming from speech delivery, questioning, teamwork and quick thinking.