Activate your imagination: children’s creative writing competition returns
Young writers across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to unleash their imaginations as the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum launch their second annual Children’s Creative Writing Competition.
The competition, open to all children aged seven to 11 living in Oxfordshire and run in partnership with the Oxfordshire County Council-run Oxfordshire museum, offers young storytellers the chance to see their ideas come to life.
Budding writers are invited to submit a piece of creative writing of no more than 500 words inspired by any object within the museum’s collections.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “This wonderful competition encourages children to explore their creativity while connecting with the fascinating history preserved in our museum collections. It’s inspiring to see young people engage so enthusiastically with storytelling, and I’m excited that we can support opportunities like this that nurture imagination, confidence and a lifelong love of writing.”
Entries will be judged by an expert panel, with winners selected across two age categories and one outstanding piece chosen as the overall competition winner. The top young writer will receive a £50 cash prize and have their name engraved on a special trophy commemorating their achievement.
Last year’s competition was won by Linus Barnes from Cutteslowe Primary School, who impressed judges with a story inspired by an object in the Anglo Saxon Gallery.
Reflecting on his experience, Linus said: “I decided to take part in the competition because I thought it would be fun and challenging writing a story based around an object in the museum, and because I wanted to win the prize money. I really enjoyed the awards event, and I was amazed when I won first prize. I was really proud of myself!
“This has made me want to write other stories and enter more competitions. I love creative writing because you can invent characters, worlds and adventures and play with interesting words and ideas. If you want to become a better writer or be an author when you grow up, these competitions help you to improve.”
Entry forms can be collected from the museum, or requested through the contact form on the museum’s website. Submissions for must be received by 9am on Friday 12 June 2026.
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