English Writing Competition 2026/27

Creative writing entries may include up to three short poems (no more than 30 lines each) or one long poem (around 100 lines), a piece of extended prose (no more than 1000 words), or a playscript (around 100 lines). We are open to other suggestions, but please write to confirm before submitting.

Those submitting an essay should consider the way borders feature in literary writing, whether as a plot device, theme or in other more imaginative terms. In responding to this theme, we encourage you to be as inventive as you wish. You are welcome to think about the idea of borders in literature across time and in different contexts.

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