Voicebox 2025: Primary schools joke competition open until April Fool's Day

17 March 2025

Schools across Scotland are being urged to get their final entries in for VoiceBox 2025, the nationwide joke-telling competition for primary school pupils. With the entry deadline fast approaching on 1 April, time is running out for young comedians to share their best gags and be in with a chance of making it to the grand final at the Scottish Parliament.

Organised by Children in Scotland members the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), VoiceBox celebrates the joy of laughter while highlighting the vital role communication plays in children’s development. From boosting confidence to strengthening speech and language skills, the competition is a fun and engaging way to showcase the power of communication.

The competition officially launched in January on Blue Monday, with last year’s winning school, Cockenzie Primary in East Lothian, kicking off the fun. Since then, entries have been pouring in from across the country, with schools eager to see their pupils shine on the big stage.

Glenn Carter, Head of RCSLT Scotland, said: “VoiceBox is a fantastic way to show how humour helps children build confidence and connect with others. We believe that every child should have the support they need to develop strong communication skills, and this competition is a light-hearted but meaningful way to highlight that. With the deadline fast approaching, we’re encouraging schools nationwide to get their best jokes in – don’t let your pupils miss out on the fun.”

The VoiceBox 2025 final will take place on Thursday, 5 June 2025, bringing together finalists from across the UK for a laughter-filled day hosted at the Scottish Parliament by Presiding Officer Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP. The event will once again be compered by journalist and comedian Zara Janjua.

Winners will receive prizes courtesy of Collins Big Cat, the leading whole-school primary reading programme. Finalists will receive £100 worth of books, while the overall winner’s school will receive a £500 book voucher. The second and third-place winners will take home £200 book vouchers for their schools, and all top-three winners will also receive a toy gift card.

Schools have until Tuesday 1 April 2025 to submit their entries – and this isn’t an April Fool’s prank! Don’t miss the chance to take part in this brilliant nationwide event.

To enter VoiceBox, visit: www.rcslt.org/scotland/voicebox/