St.Paul's International Literary Prize

The Literary Prize Project started in the academic year 1997-1998, the idea being that any effort which encourages mature, enthusiastic and demanding readers in more than one language is an extremely worthwhile cause.

We have always believed, and still do so today, that the Literary Prize serves as an excellent way to promote literature among other young readers around the world.

Over the years, we have had renowned writers and distinguished guests who have presided over our award ceremony: Ana María Matute, Andreu Martín, Mª de la Pau Janer, Josep Guardiola, Juan Villoro, Salah Jamal, Matthew Tree, Aisha Miró, Ángela Becerra, Jorge Bucay, Javier Cercas, Baltasar Porcel, and Espido Freire. This has been a real honour for us and our Literary Prize.


In the attached links you can find the rules for the next competition, the books which contain winning stories from past competitions, and photos from our most recent award ceremony.

Conditions of Entry

St. Paul’s School is holding the fifteenth St. Paul’s School International Prize for Literature in three languages: English, Spanish and Catalan. This contest is open to participants throughout the world. Presentation of the stories and participation in the competition presupposes complete acceptance of these conditions:

1.- The St. Paul’s School International Prize for Literature will be awarded in each of the three languages to the winners in the three following categories:
1st Category: Born between 01/01/2000 and 31/12/2001
2nd Category: Born between 01/01/1997 and 31/12/1999
3rd Category: Born between 01/01/1994 and 31/12/1996
In the three categories the competition is for short stories.
There is a free choice of theme.

2.- The stories must be original, unpublished, individual and typewritten on one side of DIN A4, with a maximum of 4 pages in length. On a separate page the following information must also be included: the author’s full name, address, e-mail, telephone number and date of birth, as well as the details of the school they attend.

3.- Entries can be submitted by e-mail, the e-mail address is secretaria@stpauls.es.
Alternatively, they can also be sent by post to: St. Paul’s School, Avda. Pearson, 39-45, 08034 – Barcelona; indicating on the envelope “St. Paul’s International Literary Prize” and attaching a file which contains the short story.

4.- The closing date for receipt of entries is 10th January 2012.

5.- The jury will be made up of well-known figures from the arts, education and the world of journalism.

6.- The jury’s decision will be final and will be made known at the prize-giving ceremony to be held at St. Paul’s School on 19th April 2012. St. Paul’s School reserves the right to change this date if this should be deemed necessary.

7.- A total of 9 prizes, each of 400 € each, will be awarded. In each category there will be a prize for each of the three languages.

8.- Those short stories, which have not been awarded prizes, will be destroyed and there will be no contact with the senders.

9.- The organisers reserve the right to select the best stories for publication.

10.- The personal contact details provided are stored in a file owned by Fundación Privada Pearson and Fundación Privada Saint Paul’s in order to manage the organisation of the literary prize and to announce any future editions of the competition. Should you wish to access, correct or cancel the data, you may do so by writing to St. Paul’s School, Avda. Pearson 39, 08034-Barcelona.

11.- The organising committee will resolve any unforeseen eventuality.