Young Writer Competition

A flair for creative writing is a special gift and the written word has a unique and valuable place in society in that its influence exists long after the spoken word is forgotten. This competition is a well-established and successful 3-stage competition aimed at writers aged 7-17 and designed to support and encourage the development of writing skills and creativity, expression of thoughts and ideas through the written word, thoughtful interpretation of the theme and enjoyment of writing as a rewarding means of self-expression

The competition is open to all young people within the age groups shown below. They may be an individual choosing to enter directly themselves or amongst the entries submitted by a group or community organisation including schools and colleges, home educated, other young peoples’ community organisations, for example, community RotaKids or Interact, Scout Groups, Girl Guides, etc. 

The three age groups are: (note: entrants must not be above the age parameters on 31 August 2025):

2025-26 Competition Theme is - Happiness in Nature

Entrants must produce a written or typed story in prose entitled: Happiness in Nature - this can be fiction or non-fiction as long as the piece relates to the theme and all entries must be legible.

Please note: Prose entries should be up to a maximum 550 words and Poetry entries should be up to a maximum of 40 lines - any entries that exceed these maximum numbers will be disqualified. No pictures and/or drawings are to be part of the entry. Entries may not be returned unless specifically requested. Plagiarised or 'close-copied' images are not permitted in any competition. It is important that we protect the work of creative individuals. Whilst we are all inspired by the work of others, there is without doubt a grey area where inspiration carries over to close copying. For our competitions 'close copying' is where, to a reasonable person, the submitted entry appears remarkably similar in significant important respects to a body of work created elsewhere. We are looking for original pieces, not copies, which match the theme of the competition. Competitors must not use any apps which produce any part of their submission, if detected the entry will be disqualified. 

An amanuensis can be used for entrants with motor control difficulties to record their work to paper.

Entries for this year's competition must be received by 01 March 2026. 

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before submission for guidelines and official entry form.

The Three Stages of the Competition are:

• Local Heats organised by local Rotary clubs from which age group winners are selected and submitted Spring 2026 to -
• the District Competition from which age group winners are selected and submitted to -
• the National Final organised by RIBI

Judges with appropriate skills, appointed by Rotary, will apply the judging criteria considering imagination relative to the subject; ability to engage interest and be consistent in the power of argument. The judges will not enter into any discussion or correspondence regarding their decision; their decision will be final and not subject to any appeal.

At all stages of the competition, competitors will receive a certificate of participation. At the National Final, the winners will receive a vocational experience such as working in a newspaper or publishing environment with a professional practitioner.