Atom Learning Young Author Award 2023
UK creative writing competition for ages 7–11
Calling all young aspiring writers!
Do you know a child aged 7–11 who loves writing? We’re on the hunt for the UK’s best storytellers!
Atom Learning is launching the second annual Young Author Award to celebrate the generation’s upcoming young writers. With the chance to win incredible prizes (including a trip to Disneyland and free Chromebooks!), it’s time to pick up a pen and get ready for a summer celebration of creativity!
How do we enter?
The theme for 2023 is 'If I were in charge for a day…'. Entrants must submit a creative response to this theme no more than 500 words.
All entrants must be aged between 7–11 on the day the competition closes (10th September 2023). Submissions must be written by the child and must not be supported by an adult. To enter a submission, complete the form at the bottom of this page.
We’re looking for aspiring writers, not perfect wordsmiths!
Get inspired
Free writing guide
Download this free persuasive writing guide! Learn how to consider purpose, audience and tone in your writing, and get helpful prompts to guide your creative response to the theme 'If I were in charge for a day...'
Live lesson
Watch a recording of an Atom Learning Live Lesson to kick-off the competition. Follow along with Luke as he analyses the structure of a persuasive speech, and learn how to use persuasive devices in your writing.
Dates for your diary
8th June 2023
Competition opens. Enter now!
10th September 2023
Competition closes at 11.59pm (BST).
27th September 2023
Announcement of winners
Competition prizes
1st place
1 night trip to Disneyland Paris for a family of four
Chromebook worth £250
6-month free subscription to Atom Nucleus
Atom Learning Young Author Award trophy
2nd place
Overnight stay at London Zoo (ZSL) for a family of four
Chromebook worth £250
4-month free subscription to Atom Nucleus
Atom Learning Young Author Award trophy
3rd place
£150 book voucher
Chromebook worth £250
2-month free subscription to Atom Nucleus
Atom Learning Young Author Award trophy
Highly commended
£50 book voucher for 10 highly commended judge-selected entries
2022 winners
Sitting comfortably? Enjoy reading last year’s winning entries based on the theme ‘A day that changed the world’.
Highlights from 2022
FAQs
Enter now!
Terms & conditions
There will be 3 winning entries of The Atom Learning Young Author Award – 1st, 2nd and 3rd place – and a prize for a highly commended entry. All children must be aged between 7–11 at the point of close on 10th September 2023.
The winner of the 1st place entry will win a one-night trip to Disneyland Paris for a family of four. The trip must be taken before 10th September 2024, excluding the Christmas holiday period (4th December 2023 – 2nd January 2024). Travel from the UK, accommodation and park entry expenses will be covered, and families will also receive £500 spending money to cover food and other costs. No other provision will be made. The 1st place winner will also receive a Chromebook worth £250, a 6-month free subscription to the online learning platform Atom Nucleus, and a competition trophy.
The winner of the 2nd place entry will win an overnight stay at London Zoo for a family of four, including free entry into ZSL London Zoo for two days either side of your night's stay. Travel to the Zoo from the family home (if within the UK) will also be covered. The trip must be taken before 10th September 2024 and can be booked for any ‘Family night’ at the Zoo. The 2nd place winner will also receive a Chromebook worth £250, a 4-month free subscription to the online learning platform Atom Nucleus, and a competition trophy.
The winner of the 3rd place entry will win a £150 book voucher, a Chromebook worth £250, a 2-month free subscription to the online learning platform Atom Nucleus, and a competition trophy.
There will be a £50 book voucher for 10 highly commended judge-selected entries.