Keystone Tutors Children's Writing Competition 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.