Free · every month · Years 4, 5 and 6
The Academy11+ writing competition
One prompt a month. One story each. Detailed feedback for every young writer — and the best stories in each year group take pride of place on our winners page.
Open now · October 2026
The Lantern Night
Autumn magic and wonder
On a cold, misty October evening, you find an old paper lantern glowing softly on your doorstep, even though nobody has lit it. When you pick it up, its light begins to move and seems to want you to follow. Write the story of where the lantern leads you and what you discover.
As the evenings draw in and the leaves turn gold, October is the perfect time to imagine something glowing in the dark. This month we invite you to write about a night when a single lantern changes everything. Will it lead you somewhere magical, reveal a secret, or help someone find their way home?
- Entries close Saturday 31 October
- Results Saturday 7 November
Win a year of Premium!
How to enter
Sign up free
Create a free parent account and add your child. Every child with an account can enter — no subscription needed.
Write one story
Your child writes their story on the month's prompt: typed, or handwritten and uploaded as a photo.
Feedback and judging
Every entry gets detailed feedback. Our judges pick a winner and two runners-up in each of Years 4, 5 and 6.
Children's privacy comes first.We only show a story with a parent's permission, and then only the child's first name, surname initial and year group — never a surname, school or photo of their handwriting.
Prizes
In each of Years 4, 5 and 6 this month:
Winner
1 year of Premium and a winner's certificate
Runner-up
3 months of Premium and a certificate
Highly commended
1 month of Premium and a certificate
And every child who enters gets a printable participation certificate.
Prize terms
- One entry per child. Placement is decided by our judges, and the judges' decision is final.
- Prizes don't depend on publishing permission: only stories whose parent said yes are shown publicly.
- Premium is added to the parent's Academy11+ account. There's no cash alternative.
- Book tokens are e-gift cards, emailed to the parent's account email within 14 days of the results.
Winners
No winners to show yet
Our first winners will be announced here when the first competition is judged. Could your child be one of them?
Sign up free to enterEvery story deserves good feedback
Sign up free and your child can enter every month's competition. Premium adds many more story ideas and timed, exam-style writing papers.