NATE members are invited to support young writers worldwide by acting as shortlisting judges for Time to Write 2026, an established and fast-growing creative writing competition for pupils aged 7–16
NATE members are invited to support young writers from around the world by becoming shortlisting judges for Time to Write 2026, an international creative writing competition for schools.
Now in its third year, Time to Write invites pupils aged 7 to 16 to submit an original story inspired by a single theme. The 2026 theme is ‘thread’. The competition is open to all schools globally and continues to grow each year. In 2025, around 3,000 pupils from hundreds of schools took part, and significantly more entries are expected this year as the competition has developed a loyal following.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Time to Write is its main prize. The winning writer in each age category has their story turned into a beautifully illustrated published book, with artwork created by third-year illustration students at Arts University Bournemouth. These books are highly valued by both pupils and schools. The 2025 winning books can be viewed at https://write.iseb.co.uk/#winners2025. The competition is supported by Oxford University Press, IAPS, and Voxblock.
The organisers are now recruiting judges to help shortlist entries for Time to Write 2026. The judging process uses Adaptive Comparative Judgement technology, delivered in partnership with RM Compare. Judges compare pairs of stories and decide which best meets the published criteria. Each story is reviewed multiple times by different judges, and the ACJ algorithm produces a reliable, transparent, and non-biased ranking. Judges who have taken part previously report that the process is enjoyable and that seeing the quality of writing across different age groups is professionally enriching.
Judges are asked to give approximately two hours of their time between 10 and 22 February 2026. A short online training webinar will take place on 29 January 2026, with a recording shared afterwards for those unable to attend. Certificates will be issued to all judges following the shortlisting session.
Past judges returning for 2026 describe the experience as rewarding and well organised, highlighting the high standard of writing, the importance of encouraging creativity, and the effectiveness of the judging software in enabling fair and meaningful comparisons.
Further information can be found at https://write.iseb.co.uk/, with past winner books available at https://issuu.com/isebawards and details of the judging process at https://write.iseb.co.uk/#judging. NATE members interested in applying to become shortlisting judges can do so via the application form.
This opportunity offers NATE members a meaningful way to promote creative writing, support pupils’ confidence and imagination, and engage with an innovative approach to assessment.
Featured image: Anastasiia Dernova