Everything you need to know about 500 Words

Here's everything you need to know for 500 Words, the UK’s most successful children’s writing competition.

So who are our judges and what makes them so perfect for 500 Words? Let’s find out!

The UK's biggest children's short story writing competition, 500 Words, is back at the BBC and we need your help!

Find out what the marking criteria is to help inspire children when they write their stories.

Read the stories from all the finalists who made it to the grand final.

Check out who our illustrators are for this year's competition prizes!

Download our poster to help spread the message and inspire children to put pen to paper.

Discover how 500 Words can help create a more inclusive writing experience for every child in your school.

Pheobe, who entered 500 words when was in Year 4, has shared her experience and the impact the competition has left on her.

500 Words judges, Sir Lenny Henry, Charlie Higson and Frank Cottrell-Boyce, share their advice for writing a 500 Words story.

Use these resources to help deliver an assembly introducing 500 Words to your students

Here's how you can support your pupil if they have dyslexia or ADHD to write their story and enter the competition.

How does reading aloud encourage creative writing?

Check out how this school helps children with individual needs write stories.