The Orwell Youth Prize uses the writing of George Orwell to inspire you to write about your own ideas and experiences. It’s open to everyone at secondary school or college in the UK, or on a UK curriculum.
This year's theme is: FREEDOM IS…
“Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.” – George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four
What does freedom mean to you?
When do you feel most free?
What threats are there to freedom, in this country and around the world?
What can be done to protect freedoms, of all kinds, for all people?
Entries can be in any form you like. Journalism, essays, short stories, reviews, letters, blog posts, poems, plays and even video game design concepts are all welcome.
Winners and runners up will be announced in three age categories.
Find out more here
Deadlines: All entries will be read by our experienced volunteer readers. Everyone who enters by our feedback deadline of 5th March 2025 will be offered personalised feedback, with helpful tips to help make your entry the best it can be.
The final deadline is 30th April 2025.