Writing is a skill some love and others dislike but for pupils at Radlett Preparatory School (RPS), it has been a source of joy.
Pupils Kubi, Hugo and Nihad have been selected to progress to the next stage of the BBC 500 Words competition, the UK’s largest story writing competition for children aged five to 11.
Despite the competition’s size, the students did not let the pressure build. When RADLETTnews went to print, the competition was entering its second round of judging, with schools and young writers across the country awaiting the next results.
The contest is divided into categories based on age, and success depends on how creatively each writer engages the judges.
Each winner receives a bundle of books, while gold winners are awarded 500 books for their school library, offering inspiration and resources to encourage even more young minds to think big.
The 2025/26 grand final will take place at Windsor Castle in February, hosted by Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.
50 finalists will enter the castle reception, and the winners’ stories will be read aloud on television by celebrities in a special 500 Words programme with The One Show, scheduled to air in early March.
The school shared the pupils’ sentiments, saying: “We are incredibly proud of Kubi, Nihad, and Hugo for their hard work.
“We look forward to following their journey in the competition and wish them the best of luck in the upcoming rounds.”
Since its launch around 2011, the BBC 500 Words competition has inspired over a million stories, cultivating a generation of young writers who are encouraged to explore imagination, creativity, and storytelling in all its forms.
For Kubi, Hugo, and Nihad, progressing through the rounds is not just about recognition; it is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the joy of writing.
The experience also highlights how schools like RPS foster talent from a young age, giving children the confidence to share their ideas with the wider world.
As the grand final approaches, the pupils, their families, and the school community will watch with excitement all the way to the final stage.
Photo credit: Radlett Preparatory School Ltd Facebook
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