Young Writers runs themed poetry and creative writing competitions for children and young people throughout the academic year. Poetry writing competitions usually take place in the first half of term with creative writing competitions featuring in the second half. The competitions are all free to enter and there is no limit to the number of entries that a school can submit.

All entries are read and reviewed by an editorial panel. Entries that meet the required selection criteria are published in regional anthologies, giving pupils the opportunity to see their work in print. Overall competition winners are chosen from the published entries, with prizes for both pupils and their schools.

Young Writers provides free teaching resources to support each writing competition, including detailed lesson plans linked to the National Curriculum and pupil planning sheets. Entries can be submitted by email or by post, or teachers can register to upload pupil entries via the free Online Writing Portal.

Competitions for the first half of the autumn term 2026 include:

KS1 (ages 5-7)

• This is Me acrostics poetry competition – closing date 23rd October 2026.
• Ghost Stories short story competition – closing date 6th November 2026.
• Poetry Stars poetry competition – closing date 31st December 2026.

KS2 (ages 7-12)

• A World of Wonder poetry competition – closing date 23rd October 2026.
• Ghost Stories short story competition– closing date 6th November 2026.
• Poetry Stars poetry competition – closing date 31st December 2026.

KS3-5 (ages 11-18)

• Unite poetry competition – closing date 23rd October 2026.
• Ghost Stories short story competition – closing date 6th November 2026.
• Future Voices poetry competition – closing date 31st December 2026.

Cost: Free.

About Young Writers: Young Writers is a division of Bonacia Ltd. It was established in 1991 with the aim of encouraging young people to engage in creative writing.