Essex Book Festival teamed up with Essex Year of Opportunity (2025) for the Words for a Greener World Short Story Competition, which was open to all schools in Essex.
Students aged 7-16 years (split into two categories: 7-11 years and 12-16 years) were invited to write a short story up to 500 words based around the theme of Climate Change.
The winners and runners up for each category were announced at a special ceremony held at Chelmsford Theatre Studio on 28 February 2026 at Essex Book Festival’s annual Manifesto for Essex Eco-Gathering.
Well done to all who took part and congratulations to the winners.
Below you can read the winners and runners-up stories.
Winner: 7-11 years
Winner: 12-16 years
Runners Up: 7-11 years
The Rocket of Life
By Iyla and Bonnie
Holy Trinity C of E Primary School
Runners Up: 12-16 years
When Everything Changed
By Isabel
Chelmsford County High School for Girls
