Young Northern Writers' Awards 2026

The Young Northern Writers' Awards 2026 are open to young writers aged 11–18 in the North of England. Young writers can submit creative work in any form including prose, poetry, scriptwriting, blogging, songwriting and rap.

There are two age categories, 11–14 and 15–18. Entrants must be 18 years or under when the awards close. The winner in each category will receive prize money of £150. Up to two writers may also be highly commended across the age categories. This award is made possible through New Writing North's partnership with our lead partner Northumbria University.

Applications for the awards are accepted in two ways:

• by application directly from the young person
• through nomination from an adult working with the young person (for example, parents, teachers or other adults)

For more information, please read the Eligibility and Conditions of Entry carefully.For any enquiries, please read the FAQs. If you still need an answer, contact us at awards@newwritingnorth.com.