The UK’s most successful writing competition for children, BBC 500 Words, opens today, Tuesday 23 September.
The competition, supported by BBC Bitesize for Teachers, encourages children of all abilities to dive deep into their imagination and write the story they would love to read in 500 words or fewer, without fear of spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Open to ages 5–7 and 8–11, the competition’s return was revealed by Alex Jones on Monday’s episode of The One Show, where she also revealed that the grand final will be held at the iconic Windsor Castle.
The judging panel are Malorie Blackman, Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Sir Lenny Henry, Charlie Higson and Francesca Simon, and, chaired by Alex Jones.
Alex Jones, The One Show presenter and 500 Words judging panel chair said: “We are so excited to be back for 500 Words! It’s a highlight in The One Show calendar and being invited to Windsor Castle for the Grand Final feels really special. I can’t wait to read the brilliant stories and celebrate reading, writing and imagination!”
Francesca Simon, Author and 500 Words judge said: “I love 500 Words. It’s a celebration of children’s creativity, a chance for kids aged 5-11 to write any story they like. I’ve been a judge since 2014 and reading the finalists’ fantastic stories is one of the highlights of my year.”
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education said: “Storytelling and creativity are at the heart of everything we do. Now, it’s our young audience’s turn to share what inspires and motivates them through the power of words. 500 Words offers a safe and empowering space for children to bring their stories to life, giving us a unique glimpse into the issues and ideas that matter most to them.”
Following its royal legacy, the competition has the support of Her Majesty The Queen. The competition winners will have the chance to meet The Queen, with the grand final taking place at Windsor Castle in February 2026.
BBC 500 Words Competition Prizes
Fifty finalists, along with their parents or carers, will be invited to a star-studded final at Windsor Castle in February 2026, where the top six stories (bronze, silver and gold in each category) will be read out by celebrities. The event will be shown as part of a special 500 Words programme with The One Show (BBC One, 7pm) in early March 2026.
Winners in both age groups will receive exciting prizes, including:
- Gold winners: The height of judge Sir Lenny Henry in books, plus 500 books for their schools
- Silver winners: The height of Her Majesty The Queen in books
- Bronze winners: The average height of a 7- or 11-year-old in books
All winning stories will be illustrated by children’s illustrators and published in a special 500 Words winners’ book produced by Oxford University Press. Illustrators include Korky Paul, Harriet Muncaster, Paula Bowles, Rochelle Falconer, Leigh Hodgkinson and Ken Wilson-Max.
Each of the top 50 finalists will receive a creative pack from Crayola to inspire imagination and support their storytelling, and have their story published on the 500 Words website.
One additional entry will be selected at random from all non-winning entries to attend the final – this lucky entrant will receive a bundle of books and their school will also receive 500 books and literacy wall art of their choice.
How to Enter
The competition opens Tuesday 23 September, and all stories must be typed and submitted by an adult by 9pm on Friday 7 November 2025.
If you’d like help submitting entries for your child, class, sports group or community group, visit the BBC 500 Words website for full details, terms and conditions, and privacy notices.
To celebrate the launch, a 30-minute 500 Words Live Lesson presented by Sir Lenny Henry and Naomi Wilkinson, will broadcast at 11am on Wednesday 24 September on the BBC Live Lessons website (bbc.co.uk/livelessons), CBBC channel and on BBC iPlayer. Sir Lenny and Naomi will be live from the Museum of the Home, collecting ingredients for a brilliant and original 500 Words story – and inspiring children to write their own short stories to enter in the 500 Words competition. Accompanying resources are available online (bbc.co.uk/livelessons), where teachers can also request a shout-out for their school.
Partners
BBC Children’s and Education runs 500 Words in partnership with: Beano, EFL in the Community, HeadteacherChat, Libraries Connected, National Book Tokens, National Literacy Trust, Oxford University Press, Pobble, Premier League Primary Stars, Publishers Association, The Reading Agency, World Book Day and new partner, Crayola.
HG