BBC Young Writers' Award Showcase 2026

Lauren Layfield presents this year’s exceptional showcase of the five shortlisted stories for the 2026 BBC Young Writers’ Award, with the University of Cambridge.
Alongside the 21st anniversary of the National Short Story Award, this year’s BBC Young Writers’ Award with the University of Cambridge is open to all writers between the ages of 14 – 18, and was created to discover and inspire the next generation of writers. It is a cross-network collaboration between BBC Radio 4 and Radio 1. The winner receives a personalised mentoring session with an author to enhance their writing skills.
Listen now to hear all of the 2026 BBC Young Writers’ Award shortlisted stories, and a little from the writers themselves!
Podcast produced by Bethany Woodhead
Have you got a story to tell? Submissions will open again in the new year for the 2027 awards – keep a look out!