FAQs
Looking for more information about the Royal Mint Museum 'Coins and the Sea' Short Story Competition? Below you can find a list of our frequently asked questions. If you have a question you would like us to answer that isn’t here, email storycompetition@royalmintmuseum.org.uk or refer to our Terms and Conditions for more detailed information.
How do I enter?
Simply submit your entries online via our Google form or post them to:
Short Story Competition
The Royal Mint Museum
Llantrisant
Pontyclun
CF72 8YT.
If you are submitting your entries by post you must include a signed copy of our Terms and Conditions with your entry. This can be done for each individual child or on behalf of a whole class. At the top of each story please be sure to note the entrants name, age and school. Details of the winning entrants will be shared publicly with the press and on our website.
Do I have to pay to enter?
No, entry is completely free.
Who can enter?
Anyone aged eight to eleven, inclusive, who lives in, and is schooled or homeschooled, in the United Kingdom.
Can I enter independently, or do I have to enter through my school?
If you go to school in the United Kingdom and are aged eight to eleven you can enter individually, or through your school!
Can I submit more than one story?
No, you can only enter one story per person.
What is the prize?
The winner will receive a 2024 annual coin set and a framed copy of their winning entry, illustrated by a professional illustrator. The winner’s school will receive an award of £5,000 worth of vouchers for equipment and books to invest in their library. Four ‘highly commended’ entries and five ‘runners-up’ will each receive a commemorative coin.
Will my details be stored or used?
We will only use your details to contact you if you are selected for the shortlist and no data will be collected for any purpose other than that relating to the competition. Details of the winning entrants, such as name, age, school and photograph will be shared publicly with the press and on our website along with the winning stories. See our terms and conditions for more information.
Where can I find more information about the theme?
Check our website in January 2024 when we will have a dedicated inspiration section, as well as downloadable resources for teachers, but you can use ideas from any source.
Do I have to use one of the suggested topics?
No, they are just ideas. You can write your story about anything at all connected with the concept of 'Coins and the Sea'.
Can I submit my entry in a language other than English?
You certainly can, however we will get it translated into English for the purposes of judging.
How will the winner be decided?
A shortlist of 50 entries will be selected by the Royal Mint Museum team. These entries will be read and evaluated by our guest judge who will select the winner, 4 highly commended entries and 5 runners up.
How will I be notified if I win?
If you are shortlisted to receive a prize, we will contact you via your school unless you specify that you would like us to contact you differently.
What will happen if I win?
The winning story will be published, and your entry will become part of the Royal Mint Museum collection, along with the other shortlisted entries. You will receive your prize by courier and a virtual presentation will be arranged through your school or guardians. There may be interest from the media in the story, but we would discuss that with you and your guardians at the time.