Wicked announces sixth year of Wicked Young Writer Awards

New ‘For Good Award for Non-Fiction’ category also launched

If your pupils have courage, a heart and a brain (tiny dog and ruby slippers optional), then you’ll be pleased to know that entries are now being taken for next year’s Wicked Young Writer Awards. Submissions must be made by 11 March 2016, and you can find complete details at wickedyoungwriters.com.

The Awards were created by the producers of Wicked in 2010, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust and spearheaded by bestselling author Michael Morpurgo, to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity and develop writing talent in young people. As always there are five different age categories, starting at 5-7, and going up to 8-25.

A shortlist of 120 entrants from across the UK will see their work published in the Wicked Young Writer Awards Anthology. They are also invited to an exclusive ceremony at London’s Apollo Victoria, home to the musical since 2006, where judges and members of the Wicked cast will announce who has won in each category.

Pieces of original writing can be submitted, either individually or as part of a school group, until 11 March 2016. The overall winners from each category will win a VIP family experience to the West End production of Wicked, including an exclusive backstage tour and cast meet-and-greet, £50 book/eBook tokens, plus £100 worth of books for their school library donated by Hachette Children’s Books. The individual school with the highest number of entries will receive a bespoke writing workshop at their respective school.