Our annual WriteStuff competition for young writers across the Bailiwick of Guernsey is now live, and this year we're inviting students to take part in a creative challenge inspired by the theme The Letter.

WriteStuff challenges entrants to create an original 300-word story centred on the theme, and is open to children and young people from Year 3 upwards.

Schools across the island will be encouraging students to take part before the closing date on 6 March, when the entries will be reviewed by an inspirational panel of judges.

The 2026 panel is made up of the award-winning picture book author-illustrator Jarvis; author of the much-loved Charlie and Lola series, Lauren Child; Carnegie-shortlisted, award-winning author of Steady For This, Nathanael Lessore; and the natural history writer, explorer and children’s writer Huw Lewis-Jones.

Festival Director, Claire Allen said: “We love seeing the creativity and imagination that WriteStuff inspires every year, and this year’s theme gives young writers so much to play with. Guernsey has such a lot of young local talent; the entries we see really do get better and better every year.

“The panel definitely has a tough job, but we have such a brilliant line-up of judges. They’re a real inspiration for the young people who enter, and their involvement makes the competition even more special.”

Local illustrator Tim Gaudion will create bespoke illustrations for the winning stories, which will be gifted to the winners at the awards ceremony on 2 May during the Festival. There will also be a cash prize of £50, Island Families membership, a signed book and a trophy for the winner in each of the five categories, with £25 cash prizes for second and third places. 

Supporting the main judging panel are a team of experienced local filter judges, including Julia Bichard and Adam Bayfield from the Guille-Allès Library, retired English teachers Maz Campbell and Sue Williams-Smith, and creative education specialist Suzie Almond, who brings experience from judging BBC 500 Words and Settle Stories competitions.

The competition includes four categories:

• Primary (Years 3–6)

• Intermediate (Years 7–9)

• Senior (Years 10+)

• ALN (junior and senior classes designed for writers with additional learning needs)

WriteStuff is organised by the Guernsey Literary Festival and sponsored by Julius Baer, with support from a range of local partners including U&Us, Island Families, the Guille-Allès Library and Aurigny. Anne Wilkes-Green from the Festival team will also be offering support to schools throughout the competition.

Alexandra McInnes, Managing Director of  Julius Baer Guernsey said: “We’re delighted to support WriteStuff for another year. Encouraging young people to express themselves and develop confidence in their own voice is incredibly important, and this competition provides such a wonderful platform for that.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how the theme is brought to life and celebrating the 2026 winners.”

Entries should be submitted directly through the WriteStuff website by 6 March