ImPress Writing Competition

The theme for the 2026 ImPress Writing Competition is:

Harmony is when different people, ideas, or objects work well together, creating balance and peace.

Write a story about a time when harmony is threatened. Will it return, or be lost forever? Your story might follow a relationship under pressure, a community facing a challenge, or a world shaken by a sudden, catastrophic event. The choice is yours...

What are the prizes?

Primary Years Prize (for students entering the Years 3-4 or Years 5-6 categories)

The Primary Years Winner receives an individual subscription to the Kids Writing Cool online writing course, generously donated and hosted by bestselling Australian authors Nat Amoore and Tim Harris!

Secondary Years Prize (for students entering the Years 7-8 or Years 9-11 categories)

The Secondary Years Winner receives an individual membership for one term to Teen Writers Club, generously donated by Writers SA!

Runners Up will receive some fantastic Book Prizes and Book vouchers!

How do I enter?

Open to South Australian residents across five categories, you are invited to share your story relating to this year’s theme, either as a short story or poem – you have free rein to choose your creative path. Just fill out the form below.

The closing date for entries is Monday, 12th October 2026 at 11:59 pm

2026 Competition Categories

Years 3-4 (Word count: up to 300 words)
Years 5-6 (Word count: up to 300 words)
Years 7-8 (Word count: up to 500 words)
Years 9-11 (Word count: up to 500 words)
Teacher / Library Professionals Category (Word count: up to 500 words)

All entries will be blind judged by a panel comprising members of the South Australian English Teachers Association (SAETA), guest authors and teacher volunteers.

Winners will be notified via email, and stories may be publicly displayed throughout the Festival.

Impress Writing Competition Entry Form 2026

Name*
First Last
Email*
Age on 1 January 2026*
School attended:*
Terms and conditions*
a) This competition is open to South Australian residents only.
b) The story must be an original work, in English, written solely by the person entering this competition.
c) The story must not have been created using any artificial-intelligence or chatbots, such as ChatGPT;
d) The story cannot have previously been submitted as a school assignment, competition or submitted to a publisher for consideration.
e) The story must not exceed the relevant category word limit.
f) The story must be typed and double-spaced and approved for entry by a teacher or parent.
g) You provide authorisation for your story to be published by the organisers of Once Upon a Festival for promotional purposes.
h) Entries will not be returned.
i) No feedback will be provided.

I have read, understood and agree to the Terms and Conditions above.
Story title*
What is your School Year category?*
- Years 3-4
- Years 5-6
- Years 7-8
- Years 9-11
- Teacher
Please enter your story below:*