BBC Young Writers’ Award 2026 (BBC Radio 1 with Cambridge University)
BBC (in partnership with Cambridge University)
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Have you got a story that could start a career? Enter the BBC Young Writers’ Award 2026 (BBC Radio 1 with Cambridge University) — submit an original short (≤1,000 words), sharpen your craft, connect with industry judges and boost uni or publishing prospects.
The BBC Young Writers’ Award 2026, run by BBC Radio 1 in partnership with Cambridge University, invites UK-based writers aged 14-18 to submit short stories of up to 1,000 words. There is no theme requirement - entries must be the entrant's own original work.
The award is now in its twelfth year and celebrates young creative writing across the UK. Previous winners have gone on to study across the UK, win other writing competitions and secure professional publishing opportunities.
The 2026 judging panel includes BBC Radio 1 presenter Lauren Layfield (chair), musician Lily Fontaine and authors David Almond and Margaret McDonald, with a further judge to be announced. Selected shortlisted stories and past winners are available to listen to on BBC Sounds.
Submissions are open now and close at 09:00 GMT on Monday 23 March 2026. Entry instructions, privacy notice and full terms and conditions (including how to submit) are available on the BBC pages linked from the announcement; entrants should consult those pages for the submission form and any further details.
23 Mar 2026
Location
- Open to writers aged 14 to 18 years
- Entrants must be in the UK
- Entrants must submit their own, original work
- Submitted stories must be no more than 1,000 words
- No theme restriction (any subject is acceptable)
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