The Athenaeum was founded in 1797 to provide a meeting place where ideas and information can be exchanged in pleasant surroundings. The heart of the Athenaeum is its famous library, one of the greatest proprietary libraries in the United Kingdom.
Now in its 22nd year, the annual writing award, held by the Athenaeum, is the premier North-West writing competition for young people:
The Frank Moran Young Writers Award
Formerly known as the Athenaeum Writer in Residence Award
The Award
The Award Includes;
- Designation as Writer – In – Residence for one year
- Prize of £500.00
- Honorary Membership of the Athenaeum for one year ( please explore the website ).
- An Invitation for the winner and their parents to attend The Athenaeum Annual Dinner.
In addition to the £500.00 prize, The Athenaeum will donate £50.00 to the school of the winner, to be used for the School Library. The winner will be expected to attend the following year’s ceremony and speak about the effect the award has had on his/her career.
Eligibility
The award is open to all young people who will be between the ages of 16 and 19 on the 30th November 2026, the final date for the receipt of entries.
How to enter
Writers are invited to submit an example of some 1,000 – 1,200 words of original prose which can be in the form of a short story, a travel essay or something about which they feel passionate. It may be serious or amusing. What the judges are looking for is an example of work which he/she are proud to have written. Entries can only be submitted via our website, www.theathenaeum.org.uk. Electronic copies must be sent as PDF or Word files, written in size 12, Times New Roman font.
The Closing date for entries is 30th November 2025
The Selection Process
The judges will select finalists in the first week of December, with the chosen writers being invited to a reception at The Athenaeum.
The finalists will be invited to write a further piece of 1200-1500 words, the subject to be announced at the finalists’ reception. Entries will be required to be submitted by 1st February 2026.
The winner of the Award will be announced at The Athenaeum at a reception on 25th of February 2026.
For further information contact: The Athenaeum, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD. Tel: 0151 709 7770
Email: writers@theathenaeum.org.uk.
Essential Information for Entrants:
Date of First Submission: 30th of November 2025
Date of Finalist Reception: 10th of December 2025
Date of Final Entry: 1st of February 2026
Winners Ceremony: 25th of February 2026
Frank Moran Young Writers Competition 25-26
Apply online now to this year’s competition for your chance to win the £500.00 grand prize!