Adam Caller Joins BBC’s 500 Words as Volunteer Judge
We’re thrilled to announce that Tutors International founder, Adam Caller, has been selected as a volunteer judge for the esteemed BBC Radio 2 500 Words short‑story competition.
BBC’s 500 Words is the UK's largest writing contest for children, encouraging budding authors aged 5–11 to craft original stories of up to 500 words. Each year, thousands of volunteers contribute their time and expertise to help read, evaluate, and celebrate the creativity of young storytellers across the country.
Adam will be judging entries from the 8–11 age group, reading tales that promise to entertain, surprise and move us.
“I can’t wait to read each child’s voice, their imaginations, and the worlds they’ve built in just 500 words. It’s a real privilege.”
During the 2024/25 competition, almost 44,000 stories were submitted. Take a look at some of the brilliant tales that made it through to last year’s final 50 on the BBC 500 Words website.
Entries are judged on five key criteria:
- Characterisation
- Plot
- Originality
- Language
- Enjoyment
Following the first judging round, 50 stories (25 per age category: 5–7 and 8–11) will be shortlisted. A final panel of judges will then select three winning stories per group – gold, silver, and bronze – to be announced at a televised ceremony at Buckingham Palace in February 2026.
Prizes include bespoke illustrations, book bundles (with 500 books donated to the gold winners’ schools), and the unforgettable experience of having their stories read aloud by well-known celebrities. Every finalist will also receive a National Book Token and have their stories recorded by the BBC Radio Drama Company.
The 2025/26 competition opens for entries on 23 September 2025 and closes at 9 pm on Friday 7 November 2025.
We hope you’ll share this opportunity with any imaginative 5–11-year-olds in your world. Don’t let them miss the chance – tell them to pick up a pen and start writing!
