THE KEY
Calling young storytellers in Years 4–8
Open a door into your imagination and write an original short story of up to 500 words. Entry is free and open to young writers in the UK and around the world.
Where will the key take you?
This autumn, Clifton Private Tutors is inviting young writers from the UK and around the world to put their imaginations to work and create an original short story for the first Clifton Young Writers Competition.
Your story can be funny, mysterious, exciting, moving, adventurous or completely unexpected. We’re looking for original stories that capture our attention and make us want to keep reading.
Two chances to shine
Years 4–6
Open to children in UK Years 4, 5 and 6, or the international equivalent.
Years 7–8
Open to children in UK Years 7 and 8, or the international equivalent.
Celebrate brilliant young writers
Winner
£25 National Book Token (or international equivalent), story published on our website and a winner’s certificate.
Runner-Up
Story published on our website and a runner-up certificate.
Highly Commended
Three writers in each category receive a certificate and recognition on the winners’ page.
Three simple steps
Write
Create an original story inspired by The Key.
Check
Keep it to a maximum of 500 words.
Submit
Ask a parent, guardian or teacher to enter online.
Competition rules
- Entry is free and open internationally to young writers in UK Years 4–8 or equivalent. Category One is Years 4–6; Category Two is Years 7–8.
- Submit one original story of no more than 500 words inspired by The Key. The title is not included in the word count.
- Entries must be the young writer’s own work. Adults may help with spelling or typing, but generative AI must not write or rewrite the story.
- One entry is permitted per young writer. Entries close at 11.59pm UK time on Sunday 1 November 2026.
- A parent, guardian or authorised teacher must submit the entry with the necessary permission.
- Stories will be judged by Ben J. Henry on creativity, storytelling, language and overall impression, with the writer’s age taken into account. The judge’s decision is final.
- Copyright remains with the young writer. Winners and runners-up will be contacted for separate permission before their story and first name with surname initial are published.
- Winners will be announced on Monday 16 November 2026. International winners will receive an equivalent book voucher where necessary.
How we use your information
Clifton Private Tutors collects the young writer’s entry details and the submitting adult’s contact information to administer and judge the competition, contact entrants and award prizes.
Entries are received in a secure Clifton Private Tutors email account and handled only by the competition organiser and service providers needed to operate the website and email. Unsuccessful entries and contact details will be deleted by 31 January 2027. Winners and runners-up will be contacted separately before anything is published.
If you tick the optional mailing-list box, we may also email you about future competitions, creative-writing opportunities and writing tuition. You can unsubscribe at any time. Choosing not to receive these emails will not affect the entry.
For questions or requests concerning your information, email ben@benjhenry.com.
Enter the competition
Winners announced Monday 16 November 2026
Judged by Ben J. Henry
Ben is the founder of Clifton Private Tutors, an experienced primary teacher, English tutor and published author. Every eligible story will be read with care, with particular attention paid to originality, imagination, storytelling and the writer’s individual voice.
About Clifton Young Writers
The Clifton Young Writers Competition celebrates creativity, confidence and the joy of storytelling. It is organised by Clifton Private Tutors, helping children grow in confidence and achieve their potential through thoughtful, individual tuition.