The Canterbury Tales Writing Competition 2025/26: Happily ever after?

The Chaucer Heritage Trust was founded in 1992 and aims to further interest, understanding and appreciation of the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, his life and times, and influence.

The Chaucer Heritage Trust has launched its eighth annual writing competition for schools inspired by the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, considered by many England’s greatest medieval poet.

The special theme of the competition this year is ‘happily ever after?’.
Choose ONE of the following:

Write a poem or story that ends happily
Write a poem or story that ends happily, but not for everyone
Write a description (in verse or prose) of a character who comes to a bad end

The maximum word count is 500 words. There is no minimum word count.

Top Prize in each age category is £300 for the student and £1000 for the school library.