We are thrilled to announce that following the success of the ISEB and IAPS Time to Write 2025 creative writing competition, the exciting initiative has returned for 2026. The competition is open for entries now and will close on 1 February 2026.
Visit the Time to Write website to access the entry form, terms and conditions, and guidance on how to enter.
Time to Write is open to pupils in Years 3-11 and invites young writers to submit stories inspired by a given theme. The theme for 2026 is ‘thread‘. Winners in each of the four categories will see their stories transformed into beautifully illustrated books along with some other great prizes. Their schools will also win a set of books for their libraries. Runners-up will have illustrated concept pages created for their stories, so they can also get a feel for how their stories might come to life!
Writers will be asked to submit stories of a defined length based on the given theme, and we’ll be looking for the most creative entries in the first round of judging.
Writers in Years 3 and 4: 500 words Writers in Years 5 and 6: 650 words Writers in Years 7, 8, and 9: 750 words Writers in Years 10 and 11: 1000 words
Word counts are advised lengths and final submissions can be +/- 10%.
The entries will be judged in two rounds. Firstly, the entries will be shortlisted by a group of judges using Adaptive Comparative Judgement on the RM Compare, in which schools can take part. Secondly, the top ten entries in each category will be read and reviewed by a panel of esteemed judges. The panel will decide the winner in each category, as well as two runners-up. To find out more about the judging process and the confirmed judges, visit write.iseb.co.uk/#judging.
Fantastic prizes await the winning writers, as well as two runners-up in each category. Prizes will also be awarded to the winners’ schools. The winning stories will be transformed into beautifully illustrated books, created in collaboration with third-year Illustration students from Arts University Bournemouth. Winners will also receive a Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation Thesaurus from Oxford University Press, a personalised hoodie from Team Elite, and a Voxblock Player complete with three audiobooks, a travel case, and headphones. Runners-up will have their stories brought to life as stunning illustrated concept pages.
Schools can enter pupils now, with entry closing on 1 February 2026. All entries must be submitted by the writers’ schools; if you are a parent (or tutor) looking to enter children into the competition, you will need to talk to their school about submitting their entry on your behalf.
For full information on how to enter the competition, as well as the judging process, judging criteria and terms and conditions, visit the Time to Write website at write.iseb.co.uk.
