Keystone Tutors Children's Writing Competition 2026
Keystone Tutors
Applications for this cycle have closed
This programme usually runs again each year — keep an eye out for the next round, or explore what's live now.
Want to sharpen your storytelling and stand out on applications? Enter Keystone Tutors' Children's Writing Competition 2026 — senior category for 14–18s: write up to 1,500 words on “Mystery” or suggested titles. Build imagination, gain confidence and get your work noticed. Deadline 31 August 2026.
Keystone Tutors' Children's Writing Competition 2026 returns for summer 2026 with two separate competitions, giving children and teenagers the chance to develop imagination, storytelling skill and creative confidence. The Junior Competition is open to writers aged 5-13 (Years 1-8), while the Senior Competition is open to writers aged 14-18 (Years 9-13).
Junior entrants can write up to 800 words on the theme “Mystery” or choose from the suggested titles, while senior entrants can write up to 1,500 words on the theme “Other Worlds” or one of the suggested prompts. In both competitions, entries must be original, written in English prose, and AI use is forbidden.
Entries should be emailed to enquiries@keystonetutors. com as either a typed Word document or a clear photo of a handwritten story. Winners receive a £100 Waterstone’s voucher and a one-to-one Creative Writing Masterclass with a Keystone tutor, runner-up receives the masterclass, and every entrant receives brief tailored feedback.
31 Aug 2026
Dates from the previous cycle — new dates are announced when applications reopen.
Summer 2026
Location
- Junior Competition: ages 5-13 (Years 1-8)
- Senior Competition: ages 14-18 (Years 9-13)
- Junior entrants may write on their own or with one other person, who must also be within the age limits required by the competition
- Entries must be original and not have been submitted to any other writing competition
- Entries must be written in English prose in response to the set theme
- Junior Competition entries must be up to 800 words
- Senior Competition entries must be up to 1,500 words
- Senior Competition entries must be solely the work of the participant
- AI use is forbidden at any stage of the process
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