The Canterbury Tales Writing Competition 2025
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About the Competition
The Chaucer Heritage Trust was founded in 1992 by Martin Starkie. He was an actor, director, and playwright. Before the Trust was formed, Martin was already working towards its goals. These include promoting interest, understanding, and appreciation of Geoffrey Chaucer’s works, his life, and his impact on English and world literature.
The Chaucer Heritage Trust has announced its eighth annual writing competition for schools. The competition is inspired by the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, who is widely considered England’s greatest medieval poet.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all students of school age. This includes students in schools, colleges, and those who are home-educated. It also includes members of other youth organizations.
The competition has three age categories:
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Junior: 5-10 years old
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Intermediate: 11-14 years old
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Senior: 15-18 years old
Age is determined as of February 28, 2025. Entrants must include their date of birth on the entry form.
Categories
Participants can choose one of the following topics:
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Write a poem or story about a surprise.
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Write a poem or story with a surprising twist.
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Describe a character who isn’t what they seem.
Guidelines
Submissions should reflect the spirit of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.
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All entries must be in English.
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The word limit is 500 words.
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There is no minimum word count.
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Carefully select words to convey your message clearly.
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You can use everyday language and slang. However, explain unfamiliar words in brackets if needed.
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Think carefully about your characters and what they show about the world. All work must be original.
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Rewriting an existing story is fine if the presentation is fresh and original.
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Only one entry is allowed per person.
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School prizes are limited to UK schools.
Prizes
Each age group (Junior, Intermediate, Senior) will have the following prizes:
| Category | Individual Prize | For School Library |
|---|---|---|
| 1st place | £300 | £1000 |
| 2nd place | £150 | £500 |
| 3rd place | £100 | £250 |
How to Submit
You can submit your entry online through the provided link.
Submission Deadline
The deadline for entries is February 28, 2025.
Contact
For more details, email: admin@chaucer.org.uk