This Year's Theme: "The Library"
Who Can Enter?
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Open to students at Bristol Schools entering Years 9 to 13 in the 2025/26 school year. Submit your work in one of the following categories:
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Fiction Year 9 to Year 11
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Fiction Years 12 & 13
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Non-Fiction Year 9 to Year 11
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Non-Fiction Years 12 & 13​
Why "The Library"?
A library is far more than a building filled with books. It is a gateway to imagination, discovery, and community. Its shelves hold hidden worlds waiting to be explored, true stories that inspire, and knowledge that connects generations.​This year’s Clifton Literary Festival celebrates young voices while supporting the vital work of Bristol’s public libraries. By writing on the theme of “The Library”, entrants not only share their own stories but also help shine a light on the importance of keeping these treasured spaces alive for the whole community.​​
Guidelines & Prizes
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Word Count: no minimum word count, maximum 800 words for both fiction and non-fiction.
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Format: MS Word or PDF
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Deadline: Midday, 1st November 2025 Submit to: youngadult@cliftonlitfest.com
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Eligibility: You must attend a Bristol-based school, academy, or college (confirmation required)
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1st Place Prize per Category: £100
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Runner Up Prize per Category: £50
Winners will be announced at a special event during the Clifton Literary Festival on 15th November 2025, where winning pieces will be celebrated and excerpts read aloud by the award-winning actor, Paul McGann.
Competition Rules
1. Eligibility - The competition is open to pupils currently enrolled in schools in the City of Bristol. Entries may be submitted through a school, a teacher, or individually. Entrants must be within the forms specified in the categories (Years 9 to 11 and Years 12 and 13)
2. Entry Requirements - Each entry must be an original piece of writing created solely by the entrant. Submissions must be fiction or non-fiction pieces based on the competition theme “The Library.” Word count: no minimum word count, maximum word count of 800 words excluding the title. Students are welcome to submit pieces for both fiction and non-fiction categories in their year range. Therefore, a maximum of two submissions is permitted per student.
3. Submission Process - Entries must be submitted by the deadline of midday on the 1st of November to youngadult@cliftonlitfest.com. Late, incomplete, or incorrectly submitted entries may not be accepted.
4. Judging - Entries will be judged by a panel selected by the organisers. The judging criteria are provided. The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome. Shortlisting and winners will be announced on the date(s) specified in the competition details.
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5. Prizes - Four prizes of £100 will be awarded to the winners of each of the four categories, with four prizes of £50 to runners-up in each category.
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6. Copyright and Usage - Entrants retain the copyright to their work.
By entering, participants grant the organisers a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to publish, reproduce, and promote their work in connection with the competition (e.g., websites or in promotional materials). Entries will always be credited to the author.
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7. Safeguarding and Consent - Schools may be contacted to verify the pupil's enrolment. Winners and finalists may be asked to provide a signed parental/guardian consent form for publicity purposes (including name, school, and photo).
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8. Data Protection - Personal details provided will only be used for the purposes of administering the competition.
Information will not be shared with third parties without consent.
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9. General - The organisers reserve the right to amend, withdraw, or cancel the competition in exceptional circumstances.
Participation in the competition constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Judging Criteria
Creativity & Originality (40%)​
Does the piece show fresh ideas or a unique perspective?
Is the voice authentic and engaging for the reader?
Does the writer take risks in theme, style, or form (while still being coherent)?
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Structure & Organisation (25%)​
Is the writing well-structured?
Does the pacing hold the reader’s attention?
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Language & Style (20%)​
Is the vocabulary appropriate, expressive, and effective?
Does the writer use literary devices (imagery, metaphor, dialogue, description) well?
Is the tone consistent and suited to the piece?
Technical Accuracy (15%)​
Are spelling, grammar, and punctuation used correctly?
Do errors distract from the meaning, or is the writing polished and easy to read?
