Step 1

Register your interest

Takes 60 seconds. We email you the Competition Guidelines PDF and your child's personal submission link straight away.

Step 2

Receive the guidelines

Read the full guidelines in your inbox. Key points: ages 4–11, UK residents only, one entry per child, no AI-generated content.

Step 3

Write your story

Choose the theme: Climate Change & The Environment. Any length. Typed is preferred, but clear handwriting is accepted.

Step 4

Submit by 11 September

Use the personal link from your email, or submit directly — registration is preferred but never required.

Register Your Interest — Free → Already written your story? Skip to submission →

Deadline: 11 September 2026 at midnight

Winners announced October 2026. Register early so you don't miss the writing tips along the way.

What's the difference between registering and submitting?

No. Registering first is the recommended path — it gets you the Guidelines PDF, writing tips, and a pre-filled submission link by email. But you can go straight to /bfctc/submit/ at any time and submit directly, right up to the 11 September deadline.

It sends you the Competition Guidelines PDF immediately, followed by occasional writing tips and reminders before the deadline. It does not submit a story on its own — that's a separate step at /bfctc/submit/.

Go to /bfctc/submit/ and use the "Already registered?" box to have your personal link re-sent to your email.