A Story in Miniature: 2026 writing competition

'A Story in Miniature' writing competition is now open!
 

  
 


About the competition

The 2026 VATE writing competition is now open! The theme is 'A Story in Miniature' and we are seeking short, sharp and polished tiny tales of up to 500 words. Entry is free and open to schools with 2026 VATE membership. Each school may submit up to five entries in each category: 
  • Years 7 and 8 students
  • Years 9 and 10 students
  • Years 11 and 12 students
  • Teachers
     

The competition is open from Monday 13 July 2026 to Friday 18 September 2026 (last entry by 4pm).

Click here to download an entry form. Click here to view the terms and conditions.

 

Student writing workshops

To support students to enter the A Story in Miniature writing competition, VATE is offering two interactive student writing workshops (online via Zoom) facilitated by competition judge, writer and short story enthusiast, Averil Robertson. Join Averil as she revisits some of the key components that make up an epic short story and helps students to workshop an opening sentence to kickstart their story. Teachers can register their students below.
 
Years 7 and 8 students: Tuesday 4 August (2 - 2:45pm via Zoom)
Register here (log in through your VATE account)
 
Years 9 to 12 students: Tuesday 18 August (2 - 2:45pm via Zoom)
Register here (log in through your VATE account)
 
  
 

 

Terms and conditions of entry

Entries must include a completed entry form confirming the writer's agreement to the terms and conditions of the competition. Click here to download an entry form. Click here to view the terms and conditions. Entries without a completed entry form will not be considered. Submissions should be emailed to: writingcompetition@vate.org.au.
 

Prizes

The winning and highly commended stories in each category will receive a subscription to:
Winning entires will be published in Idiom. All winning and highly commended stories will be published on the VATE website.

 

Judging

One winning and two highly commended entries will be awarded in each category. All entries to the competition will be read by Emma Jenkins, VATE Education Officer, and a shortlist will be determined. Author Averil Robertson will judge the shortlisted entries.