The wait is over – we’re delighted to announce the finalists for the 2025/26 competition.
Each story has been on an incredible journey. From over 46,500 entries submitted late last year, 4,000 volunteer judges carefully read and scored every single story, with more than 5,000 making it through to Round 2.
Our partners at The Reading Agency then took on the next stage, reviewing and scoring the shortlisted stories to help select this year’s finalists.
Following intense deliberation by our panel of judges, the bronze, silver and gold winners in both age categories will be revealed during a special 500 Words programme with The One Show at 19:00 on Friday 6 March. The full one-hour programme will also air on CBBC and be available on BBC iPlayer on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March.
Explore the finalist stories ahead of the big announcement – and get ready to laugh, learn and think.
Need more inspiration?
Back to 500 Words
Click here for more information on 500 Words.
The winning stories of 500 Words 2024/25
Watch Her Majesty The Queen present the winning stories at the 500 Words final 2024/25
The top 50 finalists of 2024/25. audio
Read or listen to the top 50 stories that made it to the 2024/25 final.
