500 Words
Everything you need to know
The UK's biggest children's writing competition returns in the autumn. From judges to prizes, here's everything you need to know.
Highlights from the final
Catch up on the highlights from the 500 Words 2023/2024 grand final.
Who's on the panel?
Find out what makes our official judges the perfect pick to read stories.
Frequently asked questions
Click here for more information about prizes, the final, or how to enter.
Our partners
500 Words is proud to deliver a competition that is accessible to all, but that wouldn't be possible without our amazing partners.
Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho: "Observe the world around you"
The 'Luna Loves...' writer has shared his top tips to kickstart story writing.
What would you write for a 500 Words story?
We reached out to some familiar faces to ask: what would your 500 Words story be about?
Julia Donaldson: "Read your story aloud"
The Gruffalo author, Julia Donaldson, shares her top tips for writing a 500 Words story. Play the clip to your students in class to inspire them to put the pen to paper!
Jamie Oliver's advice for children who are dyslexic
Dyslexia can create a barrier to some children when writing their 500 Words story, so we reached out to Jamie Oliver for some of his top tips.
CBBC's George Webster shares his inspiration for writing
The CBBC and Strictly star, now turned children's author, George Webster, spills what helps him write an inspiring story.
