Competition Details
500 words is the UK's biggest children's story-writing competition for 5-11 year-olds and opens for entries from Tuesday 29 September and closes 9pm, Friday 6 November 2026.
To take part, children can write an original story in up to 500 words, letting their creativity take the lead. An adult, such as a parent or guardian, will need to submit the story at www.bbc.co.uk/500words
There are two age categories:
5 –7 years old and 8 –11years old.
The competition is open for entries from:
8am Tuesday 29 September 2026 - 9pm Friday 6 November 2026
The judges are looking for original ideas, imagination and storytelling. Spelling, punctuation and grammar aren't marked!
In previous years, children have surprised themselves by seeing their stories reach the Top 50 – could a child in your class be next?
And 500 words is a maximum, not a target - shorter stories are welcome too.
What are the prizes?
Winning stories could be read by a celebrity on the BBC!
Prizes include National Book Tokens:
- £75 - Gold Winners
- £50 - Silver Winners
- £25 - Bronze Winners
Framed illustrations of stories and a place in the 500 Words winners' book.
Gold winners will also receive 500 books for their school library.
For more information about 500 words, click on the following link: BBC 500 Words
For more information on how to submit a story, click on the following link: BBC 500 Words - How to submit a story