Atom Learning
Young Author Award 2025

UK creative writing competition for ages 7–11

Falling Into The Story

The Atom Learning Young Author Award 2025 is now closed.

“I turned the page, and the room disappeared. Now I'm inside the story...”

Atom Learning’s Young Author Award invites children to experience the magic of truly getting lost in a book – quite literally. One moment they are reading quietly, and the next… the page glows, the world spins, and suddenly, they are inside the story.

What world have they landed in? Who do they meet? What happens next?

Using just 500 words, children can let their imagination run wild and build a story around this exciting twist.

"Whether it’s a hidden kingdom, a faraway planet, or an enchanted forest, the only limit is their imagination."

Key dates

Competition opens

15th May 2025

Competition closes

25th June 2025

Winners announced

9th July 2025

How does the competition work?

The Young Author Award is Atom Learning’s annual summer creative writing competition — a celebration of imagination, originality, and the voices of tomorrow. Budding young writers can showcase their storytelling skills and be in with a chance to win amazing prizes.

Entrants can submit a creative response to the prompt up to 500 words. All entrants must be aged between 7 and 11 on the day the competition closes. Submissions must be written by the child and must not be supported by an adult or AI. We’re looking for aspiring writers, not perfect wordsmiths!

1st Place Winner

  • A magical 1-night family trip to Disneyland Paris (for up to 4 people, worth £2,500)
  • 6 month free Atom Home subscription
  • The winner’s story will be transformed into custom-illustrated cover art, printed and shipped to their door!

Three Runners-Up:

  • A custom illustrated digital cover of their story
  • 50 book voucher
  • 3 month free Atom Home subscription

Special Awards

A 3 month free Atom Home subscription will be awarded to each winner of the following category:

  • Best Plot Twist
  • Most Creative
  • Most Inspiring

Inspire your child with a free writer’s kit

To help every young author get started, we’re offering free downloadable Writer’s Kits! Simply fill out the form links below to receive:

  • Story structure guide
  • Vocabulary builder list
  • Writing checklist (including key dates)
  • Examples from previous winning entries
  • Top tips for planning and writing a story
Download Your Free Writer’s Kit

Why enter?

Celebrate their talents.

From magical prizes like a trip to Disneyland Paris to the pride of seeing their story turned into a book cover, the competition offers unforgettable experiences that will inspire them for years to come.

Strengthen their writing skills.

Writing their own story will help your child practise planning, structuring and editing (all essential literacy skills!) while boosting their self-belief as they see their ideas come to life.

Unleash their creativity.

Give your child the freedom to create their own world, develop original ideas, and express themselves through storytelling, building vital creative thinking skills along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have some questions about the competition. Who do I contact?
Can parents help with entries?
Can my child use AI to help?
Do you have any suggested prompts?
How do children submit their entry?
How will entries be judged?
Are multiple entries allowed?
I’m a teacher and I want my whole class to enter. Is this okay?
When does the competition close?
Can we enter if we are non-UK residents?

Terms & Conditions

The Awards
Eligibility
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