"Write a story you would love to read". BBC's 500 Words, the UK's largest children's writing competition for children aged 5-11 year-olds.
Inspiring the next generation of writers
500 Words is the UK's largest story writing competition for 5-11 year-olds. The 2024/25 competition has now closed for entries.
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- Everything you need to know
- What are the 500 Words prizes?
Everything you need to know about 500 Words
- Spencer: “It’s about the story and nothing else” Video
- Spencer: “It’s about the story and nothing else”
- After being initially hesitant to enter the competition, Spencer, who is dyslexic, went on to win the silver award in the 8-11 category.
- Silver winner Clara: “It was like a dream come true”
- The importance of 500 Words stories: explaining the Oxford University Press report
- What makes a brilliant 500 Words story?
- Catch up on the 500 Words 2024 Live Lesson
- Frequently asked questions
- Our partners
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Not every story starts with words - 500 Words partners Beano share their to