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Apply for ISEB and IAPS Groundbreaking Creative Writing Competition in UK

Deadline: 01-Feb-2026

The Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) has opened entries for its Time to Write creative writing competition for pupils aged 7–16 worldwide. Winners have their stories transformed into illustrated books, receive prizes including audiobooks and dictionaries, and gain recognition for their storytelling skills. The competition encourages creativity, imagination, and literary development in a structured, supportive environment.

What is the Time to Write Competition?

The Time to Write competition invites young writers to create original fiction based on a set theme. It provides a platform for pupils to showcase creativity, narrative skills, and imagination while experiencing the process of publication and artistic collaboration.

Key Features

  • Age Groups: Pupils aged 7–16 (School Years 3–11)

  • Entry Format: Original, unpublished fiction stories based on the competition theme

  • Word Count: Typically 500–1000 words depending on age group

  • Submission: Schools submit entries to ensure oversight and verification

  • Judging Process: Two-stage judging using adaptive comparative judgement and expert panel evaluation

Who Can Apply?

  • Eligible Participants: Pupils aged 7–16 attending schools worldwide

  • Ineligible Participants:

    • Employees of ISEB or related companies

    • Immediate family members of employees

    • Individuals professionally connected to the competition

  • Entry Requirements:

    • Stories must be original and unpublished

    • No use of AI tools, third-party authors, or bulk submissions

    • Only one story per writer

    • Stories must avoid real personal events or identifiable individuals

Why the Competition Matters

  • Encourages Creativity: Helps pupils develop imagination, language skills, and storytelling techniques

  • Provides Publication Experience: Winners see their stories turned into fully illustrated books

  • Supports Literacy and Learning: Enhances reading, writing, and narrative comprehension

  • Builds Confidence: Recognition, prizes, and publishing opportunities motivate young writers

How the Competition Works

  1. Theme Announcement: Schools receive the competition theme for the year

  2. Story Writing: Pupils individually craft original fiction based on the theme

  3. Submission: Schools submit entries, ensuring eligibility and originality

  4. Shortlisting: Adaptive comparative judgement system selects top submissions

  5. Final Judging: Expert panel evaluates creativity, language, characterisation, structure, and storytelling quality

  6. Awards: Winners and runners-up receive prizes and illustration treatments for their stories

Prizes and Recognition

  • Winners:

    • Story transformed into an illustrated book by Arts University Bournemouth students

    • Audiobook player, selected audiobooks, Oxford Dictionary, and a winner’s hoodie

  • Runners-Up: Illustrated concept pages of their stories

  • Top Ten Participants: Certificates of achievement

  • Schools: Sets of books for the school library

Tips for Participants

  • Focus on original ideas and creativity aligned with the theme

  • Avoid including personal or identifiable real-life events

  • Pay attention to language, character development, and story structure

  • Ensure stories are independently written without AI or external assistance

  • Collaborate with teachers for guidance while maintaining originality

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to enter? Pupils aged 7–16 attending schools worldwide, with exceptions for employees and family of the promoter.
2. How long should stories be? Typically 500–1000 words, depending on age category.
3. Can AI tools or third parties help write the story? No, entries must be individually written and original.
4. How are stories submitted? Schools submit entries to ensure proper oversight.
5. How is judging conducted? Two-stage process: initial shortlisting via comparative judgement and final evaluation by expert panel.
6. What prizes are awarded? Illustrated books, audiobooks, Oxford Dictionary, winner’s hoodie, certificates, and school library sets.
7. Can a story be returned? No, entries cannot be returned, and inappropriate content may be disqualified or adapted.

Conclusion

ISEB’s Time to Write competition provides a valuable platform for young writers to express creativity, develop literary skills, and gain recognition. By combining structured guidance, publication opportunities, and tangible rewards, it inspires pupils worldwide to explore storytelling, foster imagination, and build confidence in their writing abilities.

For more information, visit ISEB.