The winners of the 2025 Wicked Writers: Be the Change competition have been revealed, celebrating the creativity and passion of young voices across the UK.
Run by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with Wicked’s education programme, Wicked Active Learning, the competition encouraged children aged 9 to 14 to write persuasively about positive change in their communities.
This year’s competition saw a record-breaking 2,400 entries, with young writers tackling issues such as women’s safety, pollution, and public transport.
Lucia, aged 9 from London, won the 9–11 age category with a story told from the perspective of an oxygen particle in the River Thames, highlighting the impact of pollution.
Joey, aged 11 from Glasgow, was named runner-up for his heartfelt letter to a local councillor about saving his school’s football pitch.
In the 11–14 category, Megan, aged 13 from Leeds, won with a powerful piece on how improved infrastructure could enhance safety for women and girls.
Violet, aged 13 from Lancashire, was runner-up for her essay on women’s safety, which included original survey data from her local area.
The competition aims to reignite children’s enjoyment of writing, which the National Literacy Trust reports is at its lowest level since 2010.
Tim Judge, Head of Schools Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said:
“It has been inspiring to receive so many passionate and creative essays and stories from young people who care deeply about their communities, and to see them use creative writing to express their ideas. When children enjoy writing, you can see the positive impact not just on their writing skills, but to their critical thinking, their confidence, their creativity, and their wellbeing.”
Returning judge Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train Your Dragon, said:
“Competitions like Wicked Young Writers are so important because they give you a deadline, which is important as an author! I have entered a few competitions both as a child and as an adult, and they’ve been instrumental in my career. Congratulations to all of the winners, those on the shortlist and everyone who entered. I have always enjoyed judging the Wicked Young Writers Award because the standard is extremely high.”
New judge Manjeet Mann, author of The Crossing, added:
“Being a judge for this year’s Wicked Writers Competition was truly inspiring. These young writers didn’t just tell stories, they shared bold ideas and heartfelt visions for how to make their communities better places. It’s incredible to see how writing can empower kids to think deeply, speak up, and spark real change. Competitions like this don’t just nurture creativity—they help grow future leaders.”
Lucia said:
“I loved taking part in the competition and creating a story all about looking after the planet. It was so exciting that I would love to turn my character into a comic book hero.”
Megan shared:
“I am delighted to have won and hope to inspire others to stand up for those who are vulnerable within their community. I am passionate about the safety of women and used this opportunity to express my concern for young people’s safety. I would recommend that anyone take part in the competition to convey their own thoughts about a topic that is special to them.”
Winners receive a class trip to see Wicked at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre and a writing workshop with Manjeet Mann.
More information can be found here.
