This World Book Day, ISEB and IAPS are delighted to announce the winners of the Time to Write 2026 creative writing competition.
This year’s theme, ‘thread’, inspired a wide range of imaginative stories. From tales of friendship and connection to mystery and adventure, pupils explored many creative interpretations of the theme. The winning entries were selected by our judging panel after online shortlisting from 10 – 22 February and a final judging day on 27 February 2026.
Our judging panel read and discussed the top ten entries in each of the four categories in our final judging event, held at St Swithun’s School in Winchester. The panel included:
Emma Drage, Senior Commissioning Editor for children’s books at Oxford University Press. James Cole, Senior Lecturer at Arts University Bournemouth. Marc Knight, Head of English at York House School. Naomi Anson, Head of English at St Swithun’s School. Rebecca Fletcher, Literary Events Interviewer whose experience includes Clivedon Literary Festival, Winchester Books Festival and The Queen’s Reading Room. Rebecca Henderson, Head of English at Marlborough House Vinehall.
Years 3 & 4: ‘The Girls’, St Dunstan’s College Junior School, UK. Years 5 & 6: ‘The Journey’, Channing Junior School, UK. Years 7, 8 & 9: ‘The Red Thread’, Perrott Hill, UK. Years 10 & 11: ‘Loose Ends’, The Roman Ridge School, Ghana.
All four winning writers will now see themselves in print, as each will have their story turned into an illustrated book! Prizes will also be awarded to the winning writers’ schools.
Comments from the judges on each of the winning stories, as well as the full list of winners, runners-up and highly commended entries in each category are available on the Time to Write 2026 Winners page.
For Time to Write 2026, schools will have the option to order digital participation certificates for pupils who submit an entry.
Certificates will be available to order in March 2026. Certificates will cost £2.00 each (admin fee). Ordering is optional, and winners, runners-up and highly commended pupils will continue to receive a free digital certificate. Find out more about participation certificates here.
ISEB and IAPS thank everyone involved in the third round of the Time to Write competition, with special thanks to the judges, sponsors and teachers who supported their students throughout the competition. And of course, our biggest thanks go to the young writers whose storytelling, originality and passion made this year truly special. It was a joy to read your work!
