As part of The Harpur Trust’s 450th anniversary celebrations, they’ve joined forces with the John Bunyan Museum to launch a writing competition for children.

There are four age group categories; 5-8, 8-11, 11-14 and 14-18.

The competition is being promoted by English teachers in the Junior School, as well as to Years 7-11 and Sixth Form.

The theme of the competition is ‘Recording Bedfordians’ and entrants will be given the task of writing a 500 word newspaper report on a Bedford character. It could be John Bunyan, who played a key role in shaping Bedford as it is today, or a modern contemporary such as former Bedford School pupil and England Cricket captain Alastair Cook. Alternatively, a fictional character can be created and written about.

1st Prize in each category will win £100, 2nd £50 and 3rd £25.

The closing date for the competition is Wednesday 1st June and the winners will be announced prior to a special presentation evening at the John Bunyan Museum on Tuesday 5 July 2016.

Entry forms can be downloaded here.

*Please note that girls in Senior School can submit entries to their English teachers if they prefer by Wednesday 25th May and Mrs Hopkins will arrange safe delivery. There will also be entry forms available from English teachers but these must be signed by parents and attached to entries prior to submission.