Derby-based edtech specialists Derventio Education have agreed to sponsor a city-wide competition designed to encourage a love of reading and writing.
The company, which developed education software SchooliP used by teachers around the world, is backing Derby Book Festival’s Flash Fiction competition, now in its 11th year.
The competition challenges children and adults to write a story or poem of no more than 50 words, with this year’s theme chosen by Derventio Education as ‘Hope’.
The theme reflects the organisation’s belief in the power of education, creativity and opportunity to shape positive futures.
Taking place during the National Year of Reading, the competition is open to all ages, with categories for 11 years and under, 12–17 years and 18 years and over, alongside separate categories for HMP Foston Hall and HMP Sudbury. One winner in each category will receive a ?50 book token.
Derventio Education supports schools internationally through innovative tools such as SchooliP, which helps education professionals manage information, improve communication and focus on what matters most – supporting pupils.
Sponsoring the Flash Fiction competition forms part of the company’s wider commitment to supporting literacy, creativity and inclusion both locally and nationally.
Managing director Stuart Reece said: “With more than 20 years of experience in education and firm roots in the city, we are delighted to be working with Derby Book Festival by becoming the official sponsors of its Flash Fiction competition.
“As a Derby-based business, we’re passionate about giving something back to the local community and encouraging creativity in education. The Flash Fiction competition celebrates original thinking and storytelling, and we’re proud to help shine a spotlight on writers across the city and beyond.
“This year’s theme of ‘hope’ feels particularly important. We are all navigating a world that feels uncertain and fast-moving and creative opportunities like this offer a chance to pause, reflect and express optimism for the future. We can’t wait to see what the would-be authors come up with.”
Winning entries will be printed on a set of Derby Book Festival bookmarks and distributed across the city and county, promoting both the Festival and the importance of reading and storytelling.
The bookmarks will also highlight the Festival’s two annual programmes of events: the Summer Festival (22–31 May 2026) and the Autumn Edition (13–15 November 2026).
Professor Keith McLay, chair of Derby Book Festival and deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Derby, added: “The Flash Fiction competition continues to inspire an extraordinary range of creative responses each year. We are delighted to have Derventio Education as sponsor for 2026 and look forward to seeing how writers interpret this year’s theme.”
Once the winning stories have been selected, a further illustration competition will take place for Creative Communications students at the University of Derby, one of the Festival’s key funders.
Each winning story will be illustrated and reproduced as Festival bookmarks, which will be available at the Summer Festival and distributed widely across schools, libraries, bookshops, caf?s and arts venues.
Entries must be submitted via the Derby Book Festival website using the online form. The closing date is 10pm on Friday 13 February, with full terms and conditions available online.
