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Four students win big in the prestigious 2019 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition Four students win big in the prestigious 2019 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

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Cambridge University Library Special Collections

Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition: write around the world

The RCS Library is delighted to announce that a significant recent deposit of essays from The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition has been added to its on-line catalogue (ARCS 20). The competition, originally established in 1883 by the Royal Commonwealth Society, and now run in partnership with Cambridge University Press, is the world’s oldest international schools’ writing contest. It reflects the society’s enduring aim to foster the creative talent of young people throughout the Commonwealth by encouraging literacy, self-expression and imagination.  Last year’s competition, which attracted almost 13,500 entries from primary to Sixth Form students from virtually every Commonwealth country, emphasises its continuing success. The theme of the 2017 competition is ‘A Commonwealth for Peace.’ The library already holds essays from 1922 to 1985 (with some gaps), and all surviving prize winning entries from these years have been digitised and are freely available on the Apollo digital repository .

The latest deposit includes prize winners from the years 1991 to 2009, and a very large collection of commended and other essays for the years 2002-09, totalling more than 20,000. The essays represent an excellent resource for many fields of research relating to education, and for assessing the opinions of intelligent, articulate and engaged young adults throughout the Commonwealth on a host of contemporary political, social and cultural issues. It is impossible here to list all the topics for each year, which range from the light-hearted to the serious, or to single out individual essays. The essays are occasionally accompanied by examiners’ reports, which contain insightful comparative analysis of entries, as an example from 2009 illustrates. One examiner of essays written by thirteen to sixteen year olds (Class B) commented upon the originality, insight and eloquence with which many responded to the themes ‘Tracks’ and ‘The Long Way Home.’  Many reflected upon the theme of war: its aftermath, consequences and the return to a home country after fighting abroad, while others addressed concerns of especial relevance to young adults such as unwanted pregnancies, abortion and abusive relationships.  The examiner concluded, ‘It is remarkable to see such young writers master such sophisticated themes and topics spurred by such vague titles.’

A dedicated and conscientious team of Reader Services Assistants in the Rare Books Department have listed each essay, recording name of author, age, school, country, gender and essay topic. Thanks to their hard work, it will be easy for researchers to quickly sort through the essays, identifying for example, how many students from a particular country or gender answered individual questions, whether they lived in the developed or developing worlds, or studied in state or private schools. In the Class B examiner’s group discussed above, for example, 62 of 150 writers (almost half), were inspired by the theme ‘The Long Way Home.’  They represented thirty different countries, with the three largest numbers of entries drawn from Singapore, Pakistan and India.  Many of the essays are illustrated, especially by younger authors, accompanied by beautiful original art work or photographs, which reinforce their themes. The three examples shown here were the work of eleven and twelve year olds from Class D 2009.

Researchers wishing to view these recently-acquired essays and their listings, and to request reproductions, must first consult staff in the Royal Commonwealth Society Department.

A catalogue of the full collection may be found here .

10 comments

Hi there.. I received a highly commended for Category D (?) in 1997 and was wondering if there are any records of it in the archives? I remember the RCS had a physical book listing all names of prize winners, and my name was in it at the local library many years ago. I would like to know if there is any formal record as such and if the essays are still available?

Hi there, I’d like to know if there were entries from Nigeria between 1984 and 1986. Would also like to know the year Nigeria began to participate in the Queen’s commonwealth essays.

The University Library is currently closed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown, but I will reply as soon as I have access to the essay competition archives.

All the best, John

Thank you so very much!

Hello, I would like to know if we can type the essays, or have to write them.

If you are thinking about participating in the current competition, information about submitting essays may be found here, https://www.royalcwsociety.org/essay-competition .

Hello John, Thank you.

Hello, I would like to know where can I see the winners’ written essays? Are they published?

The entries from 1922-1985 have been scanned and are available in our Apollo repository: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/225222 Copyright in the essays resides with the Royal Commonwealth Society. If you wish to re-publish the essays in any format you will need to seek permission from the Society. The most recent winning entries are available on the RCS website: https://www.royalcwsociety.org/essay-competition

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The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019

• Deadline June 1, 2019
• Region Online

The Royal Commonwealth Society is pleased to announce the theme for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019 – A Connected Commonwealth .

Building on the 2018 theme of Towards a Common Future, this year’s topics ask young writers to explore the shared values, interests and experiences across the network, and how they can use this to make positive change. It calls on young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the cast and varied links between citizens.

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall announced the 2019 theme ‘A Connected Commonwealth’, which calls upon young people to consider how they can work to use cultural, technological and environmental connections for positive change across the Commonwealth. The Competition is an opportunity for all young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education or background, to share ideas, celebrate their story and have their voice heard – all whilst developing key skills.

For 2019, they want to hear from all young people, regardless of schooling, education or region. All stories and voices are important.

• You are the most optimistic, connected generation the world has ever known.’ HRH The Duke of Sussex. How can you use Commonwealth connections for positive change?
• Connected by the oceans; can we work together to protect the environment?
• ‘We are all now connected by the Internet’ – Stephen Hawking. What does the future hold for humankind?
• Family, Community, Nation, Commonwealth. What are the opportunities for shared, sustainable growth?
• My cultural connections.
• An overseas visitor is coming to your town for the first time. How would you connect with them?
• A place I feel connected to.
• The Commonwealth connects people across borders – what can we learn from our neighbours?

Judges described entries to the competition in 2018 as ‘‘fantastically imaginative’, ‘hopeful’, ‘quite exceptional’ and ‘passionate’. They expect a similarly high calibre of writing for 2019.

This unique and highly regarded competition aims to challenge young people’s thinking and the means by which they can express their views, using creative forms of writing such as essays, poems, stories or scripts. Since 2010, the Competition has received more than 87,000 entries including almost 12,000 entries in 2018, from 600 schools across almost every Commonwealth nation. Entries are judged by 150 pan-Commonwealth volunteers and winners are selected by an expert panel, including poets, publishers, scriptwriters and journalists.

The Competition has been managed by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883 and will be open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under, until 1 June 2019. A Winner and Runner-up from both the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week-long series of educational and cultural events, typically including an Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

• All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.
• Certificates
• Resources for winner’s school
• Visits to Cambridge University
• A trip to London and a week of activities
• Work experience at international organisations, and
• Having your entry featured in worldwide media
• RCS regional and branch offices often hold ceremonies or offer prizes. Please contact your nearest RCS branch after the competition closes on 1 June 2018, to inquire about any activities planned.

Eligibilities

The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth Countries aged 18 and under

Application Process

• The Royal Commonwealth Society is building a new online platform that will be much easier to use and accessible on all devices, but it’s not quite ready yet.
• They are encouraging young people to begin writing their pieces and will open the new platform for submissions in early 2019.
• Please note: They do not accept essays sent by email.
• Offline submissions are very difficult to process and can mean that your entry arrives after the Competition closing date. They will only accept an offline entry where the person submitting has no access to internet and is unable to submit online.
• If you are submitting your entry by post, please complete an entry form (Can be found in the official website) in block capitals and attach it to the front of your essay. Entries should be sent to your nearest postal hub, details of which are listed below.
• Please note that for postal entries, your essay must be received by 1 May 2019 in order to be eligible. They, therefore, suggest that you send your essay with plenty of time for delivery, as essays received by a postal hub after 1 May will not be considered in the competition.
• Check the official website for posting address

Application Deadline: June 1, 2019

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2019 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

DEADLINE: June 1, 2019.

The Royal Commonwealth Society is pleased to announce the theme for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019 –  A Connected Commonwealth.

Building on the 2018 theme of  Towards a Common Future , this year’s topics ask young writers to explore the shared values, interests and experiences across the network, and how they can use this to make positive change. It calls on young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the cast and varied links between citizens. For 2019, we want to hear from all young people, regardless of schooling, education or region.  All stories and voices are important.

ELIGIBILITY

• The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth  countries and territories ,  as well as residents of the Maldives and Zimbabwe. Residents of non-Commonwealth countries whose entries are submitted through their local RCS branch are also eligible.
• Entrants must select a Senior or Junior topic depending on their age on 1st June 2019. Senior entrants must be born between 2nd June 2000 and 1st June 2005 (14-18) and Junior entrants must be born after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age).
• The maximum word counts are  1,500 words for Senior  entries and  750 words for Junior  entries. These word limits apply to all topics and all formats (essay, poem, letter, etc). Exceeding the word count will result in automatic disqualification.
• Entries must be written in English.
• Only  one entry per participant  is allowed. Once an essay is submitted, students/teachers will  not have the opportunity to revise it. Please carefully check and improve your writing before submitting the final copy, and also ensure that all supplementary information is filled in correctly (name, contact details, topic number, etc.)
• Essays can only be uploaded as a  Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or in PDF format (.pdf) . The online platform does not accept Google Docs (.gdoc), Pages documents (.pages) or other word processor formats. Note: if we are unable to find or open your essay file (either through an incorrect format or upload error), your entry may not be counted in the competition.

SENIOR CATEGORY

Born between 2 June 2000 and 1 June 2005 (14-18 years of age)

• ‘You are the most optimistic, connected generation the world has ever known.’ HRH The Duke of Sussex. How can you use Commonwealth connections for positive change?
• Connected by the oceans; can we work together to protect the environment?
• ‘We are all now connected by the Internet’ – Stephen Hawking. What does the future hold for humankind?
• Family, Community, Nation, Commonwealth. What are the opportunities for shared, sustainable growth?

JUNIOR CATEGORY

Born on or after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age)

• My cultural connections.
• An overseas visitor is coming to your town for the first time.  How would you connect with them?
• A place I feel connected to.
• The Commonwealth connects people across borders – what can we learn from our neighbours?

Judges described entries to the competition in 2018 as ‘‘fantastically imaginative’, ‘hopeful’, ‘quite exceptional’ and ‘passionate’. We expect a similarly high calibre of writing for 2019.

All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.

APPLICATION

• Read the competition’s  Terms and Conditions   and shown your parents?
• Checked for spelling, grammar, punctuation and  plagiarism ?  
• Consulted our  Frequently Asked Questions ?

Offline submissions are very difficult to process and can mean that your entry arrives after the Competition closing date. We will only accept an offline entry where the person submitting has no access to internet and is unable to submit online.

• All individuals and schools are encouraged to enter  online  if possible, however please note that no entry will be accepted by email. 

OFFICIAL LINK

https://thercs.org/youth-and-education/the-queens-commonwealth-essay-competition/?fbclid=IwAR2Fx1OgxHlcBMECniBj0ON55w2_OYGXzO5MIxBXe67704-7prh6ULYi3EU

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Commonwealth Short Story Prize

The 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize will open for entries from 1 September 2024 to 1 November 2024.

The prize is free to enter and open to any citizen of a Commonwealth country aged 18 and over. It is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2,000–5,000 words).

Submissions should be made via the online entry form which will be available on this page from 1 September.

An international judging panel of writers will select a shortlist of around twenty stories, from which five regional winners are chosen. One of the regional winners is then selected as the overall winner, who receives £5,000. The regional winners will receive £2,500. All five regional winning stories will be published on  Granta .

Scroll down to read answers to frequently asked questions about the prize, including who can enter, how stories are judged and what languages we accept.

For any inquiries regarding the prize, please email: [email protected]

The Prize is currently closed

Frequently asked questions, who is eligible to submit.

The prize is open to all Commonwealth citizens aged 18 and over –  please see the full list of Commonwealth countries here .

What do the winning writers receive?

The regional winners receive £2,500 and the overall winner receives a total of £5,000. The winning stories are published online by Granta and in a special print collection by Paper + Ink . The shortlisted stories are published in adda , the online literary magazine of the Commonwealth Foundation.

If the winning short story is a translation into English, the translator will receive an additional prize of £750.

What is the word limit?

The story must be between 2,000 and 5,000 words.

Is there any required theme or genre?

The prize is only open to short fiction, but it can be in any fiction genre–science fiction, speculative fiction, historical fiction, crime, romance, literary fiction–and you may write about any subject you wish.

In what languages do you accept entries?

We accept stories written in Bengali, Chinese, Creole, English, French, Greek, Malay, Maltese, Portuguese, Samoan, Swahili, Tamil, and Turkish. Stories that have been translated into English from any language are also accepted and the translator of any winning story receives additional prize money.

Can I enter a story I have previously submitted?

You cannot enter a story you have submitted in previous years.

Can the story be published?

Your submission must be unpublished in any print or online publication, with the exception of personal websites.

How is the prize judged?

Entries are initially assessed by a team of readers and a longlist of 200 entries is put before the international judging panel, comprising a chair and five judges, one from each of the Commonwealth regions – Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. All judges read entries from all regions.

Entries in other languages are assessed by relevant language readers and the best submissions are selected for translation into English to be considered for inclusion on the longlist.

The judging panel select a shortlist of around twenty stories, from which five regional winners are chosen, one of which is chosen as the overall winner.

When do submissions open and close ?

Entries open from 1 September 2024 – 1 November 2024.

The other key dates for the prize are as follows:

April 2025: Shortlist revealed May 2025: Regional winners announced June 2025: Award ceremony and overall winner announced

Do you provide feedback on entries?

Please note that we are unable to provide feedback on submissions. We appreciate your understanding.

Where should questions about submissions be directed to?

If you have any questions about your submission, please email them to [email protected] . Be sure to include your entry submission number to ensure we can assist you promptly.

Resources & News

• 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Entry Rules
• Perfecting your story: tips for crafting your prize submission
• A short story by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
• Sharma Taylor in Conversation with Alexia Tolas
• Ntsika Kota in Conversation with Damon Galgut
• The Art and Craft of the Short Story
• 'The Fishing Line' by Kevin Jared Hosein
• Kritika Pandey in conversation with Nii Ayikwei Parkes
• The Origins of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize
• Commonwealth Writers’ Conversations- Cyprus at 60

Get the latest about the Short Story Prize

Stay up to date on all the latest updates from the Short Story Prize, including deadlines, submission info and winners.

Essay Competition

Every year, the Commonwealth Essay Competition inspires thousands of young writers from all over the world. Organised by the RCS, this international youth writing contest has been running for over 100 years – the world’s oldest and largest – and is a highly regarded and popular international education project.

Open to all Commonwealth citizens aged 18 or under, the Essay Competition offers young people the opportunity to make their voice heard on a global platform, encouraging students to engage with issues which are important to them.

THE TOPICS FOR THE 2011 COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION HAVE NOW BEEN ANNOUNCED! click to read

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The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019 (Win a trip to London)

Deadline: June 1, 2019

Entries are invited for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019 . The Royal Commonwealth Society is pleased to announce the theme for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019 – A Connected Commonwealth.

Building on the 2018 theme of Towards a Common Future, this year’s topics ask young writers to explore the shared values, interests and experiences across the network, and how they can use this to make positive change. It calls on young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the cast and varied links between citizens. For 2019, they want to hear from all young people, regardless of schooling, education or region. All stories and voices are important.

Senior Category: Born between June 2, 2000 and June 1, 2005 (14-18 years of age)

• ‘You are the most optimistic, connected generation the world has ever known.’ HRH The Duke of Sussex. How can you use Commonwealth connections for positive change?
• Connected by the oceans; can we work together to protect the environment?
• ‘We are all now connected by the Internet’ – Stephen Hawking. What does the future hold for humankind?
• Family, Community, Nation, Commonwealth. What are the opportunities for shared, sustainable growth?

Junior Category: Born on or after June 2, 2005 (under 14 years of age)

• My cultural connections.
• An overseas visitor is coming to your town for the first time.  How would you connect with them?
• A place I feel connected to.
• The Commonwealth connects people across borders – what can we learn from our neighbours?
• All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation
• One Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events

Eligibility

• The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth  countries and territories ,  as well as residents of The Gambia, the Maldives and Zimbabwe. Residents of non-Commonwealth countries whose entries are submitted through their local RCS branch are also eligible.
• Entrants must select a Senior or Junior topic depending on their age on 1st May 2017. Senior entrants must be born between 2nd June 1999 and 1st June 2004 (14-18) and Junior entrants must be born after 31st May 2004 (under 14 years of age).
• The maximum word counts are  1,500 words for Senior  entries and  750 words for Junior  entries. These word limits apply to all topics and all formats (essay, poem, letter, etc). Exceeding the word count will result in automatic disqualification.
• Entries must be written in English.
• Only  one entry per participant  is allowed. Once an essay is submitted, students/teachers will  not have the opportunity to revise it. Please carefully check and improve your writing before submitting the final copy, and also ensure that all supplementary information is filled in correctly (name, contact details, topic number, etc.)

Application

See the  Terms and Conditions  and  Frequently Asked Questions

• Essays can only be uploaded as a  Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or in PDF format (.pdf) . The online platform does not accept Google Docs (.gdoc), Pages documents (.pages) or other word processor formats. Note: if they are unable to find or open your essay file (either through an incorrect format or upload error), your entry may not be counted in the competition.
• All online entries must be submitted before midnight (GMT) on  June 1, 2018;  any offline entries must arrive at RCS London by  May 1, 2018

All individuals and schools are encouraged to enter  online  if possible, however please note that no entry will be accepted by email.

For more information, visit  Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition .

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The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, 2019 Launched

The Duchess of Cornwall has launched The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019, Monday, at the Ghana International School as part of the Royal Visit to Ghana.

At a brief but quintessential event organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society Africa, in collaboration with the Ghana International School, the Duchess of Cornwall challenged the youth to take advantage of the competition to develop critical thinking skills, sharpen their creative potentials and build a lasting career in writing.

The theme for this year’s competition is a “Connected Commonwealth” a topic the Duchess described as fascinating which will engage the minds of the youth across the world.

“Last year, over 12,000 young writers sent in their stories, poems and essays, nearly 1,000 which were from West Africa. So it’s a huge pleasure to see some of those winners here with us today,” she said

She hoped a record number of students across the 53 Commonwealth nations “will be inspired to put pen to paper and enter the 2019 edition.”

“As a passionate believer in the power of the written word I look forward with huge anticipation to reading the entries and to presenting the awards back in Buckingham Palace,” the Duchess of Cornwall said to over 2000, patrons including winners of the 2018 competition, teachers, students and other dignitaries.

The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo Addo who was one of the dignitaries underscored the need to build a literate society.

“What will life be if you cannot read and write,” she said, adding “life is easier if you can read and write.”

Despite the incredible benefits of reading and writing, the First Lady expressed disappointment that a good number of people cannot read well.

Through the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay competition and her own literacy intervention programmes, including the “learning to read, reading to learn,” Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo believes the tide of poor reading and illiteracy will be stemmed.

As a gallant host of a historic launch, the Principal of GIS Dr Mrs Mary Ashun said she is “thrilled that the 135-year-old initiative that is focused on children and literacy, will now be even more intimately associated with our school.”

“Since its founding in 1955, Ghana International School has had numerous opportunities to be a trailblazer in education and community growth; we have seized them all.

“We take pride in our Akan proverbs, one of which says Obi nnim a, obi kyere , a reminder that the sharing of knowledge is critical to improving society.

Riding on its motto, “understanding of each other,” Dr Ashun said there is no better opportunity bigger than the Queen’s Essay Competition for her students to engage in exercises that will challenge their creative minds.

The head of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Africa, John Apea- organisers of the event- was excited about the success of the historic launch.

Apea said the 2019 edition will become even more inclusive by incorporating the braille technology to enable students with visual impairments to also take part in the competition.

Prior to the launch of the 2019 edition, over 300 students from Ghana International School, The Roman Ridge School, Galaxy International etc won awards in the gold, silver and bronze categories.

Three of the award winners read captivating bits and pieces of their entries which won them the award much to the delight of the guests.

The event was attended by educationists, including Madam Joyce Aryee, Ghanaian born UK fashionista Edward Enninful, who is also the Editor of British Vogue Magazine, Dr Greg Munro RCS Director General, actor Jackie Appiah, Kidi.

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2019 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition for Young Writers from Commonwealth Nations

Application Deadline: May 1st 2019

The Royal Commonwealth Society is pleased to announce the theme for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019 –   A Connected Commonwealth.

Building on the 2018 theme of Towards a Common Future , this year’s topics ask young writers to explore the shared values, interests and experiences across the network, and how they can use this to make positive change. It calls on young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the cast and varied links between citizens.

For 2019, we want to hear from all young people, regardless of schooling, education or region. All stories and voices are important.

The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the Commonwealth aged 18 and under and runs from Monday 5 November until 1 June 2019. All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.

SENIOR CATEGORY

Born between 2 June 2000 and 1 June 2005 (14-18 years of age)

• ‘You are the most optimistic, connected generation the world has ever known.’ HRH The Duke of Sussex. How can you use Commonwealth connections for positive change?
• Connected by the oceans; can we work together to protect the environment?
• ‘We are all now connected by the Internet’ – Stephen Hawking. What does the future hold for humankind?
• Family, Community, Nation, Commonwealth. What are the opportunities for shared, sustainable growth?

JUNIOR CATEGORY

Born on or after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age)

• My cultural connections.
• An overseas visitor is coming to your town for the first time.  How would you connect with them?
• A place I feel connected to.
• The Commonwealth connects people across borders – what can we learn from our neighbours?

Judges described entries to the competition in 2018 as ‘‘fantastically imaginative’, ‘hopeful’, ‘quite exceptional’ and ‘passionate’. We expect a similarly high calibre of writing for 2019.

Entries will be disqualified if they fail to meet any of the following requirements:

• The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth  countries and territories , as well as residents of the Maldives and Zimbabwe. Residents of non-Commonwealth countries whose entries are submitted through their local RCS branch are also eligible.
• Entrants must select a Senior or Junior topic depending on their age on 1st June 2019. Senior entrants must be born between 2nd June 2000 and 1st June 2005 (14-18) and Junior entrants must be born after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age).
• The maximum word counts are  1,500 words for Senior  entries and  750 words for Junior  entries. These word limits apply to all topics and all formats (essay, poem, letter, etc). Exceeding the word count will result in automatic disqualification.
• Entries must be written in English.
• Only one entry per participant is allowed. Once an essay is submitted, students/teachers will  not have the opportunity to revise it. Please carefully check and improve your writing before submitting the final copy, and also ensure that all supplementary information is filled in correctly (name, contact details, topic number, etc.)
• Plagiarism is not accepted in the competition. Every year a number of students are disqualified because they are suspected of plagiarism.
• All online entries must be submitted before midnight (GMT) on  1st June 2019; any offline entries must arrive at RCS London by 1 st May 2019

Having trouble submitting your essay? Contact [email protected]

How to Submit:

Offline submissions are very difficult to process and can mean that your entry arrives after the Competition closing date. We will only accept an offline entry where the person submitting has no access to internet and is unable to submit online.

If you are submitting your entry by post, please complete an  entry form  in block capitals and attach it to the front of your essay. Entries should be sent to your nearest postal hub, details of which are listed below.

Please note that for postal entries, your essay  must be received by 1 May 2019  in order to be eligible. We therefore suggest that you send your essay with plenty of time for delivery, as essays received by a postal hub after 1 May will not be considered in the competition.

Europe The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition The Royal Commonwealth Society Commonwealth House 55-58 Pall Mall London SW1Y 5JH UK

Africa The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition British High Commission Julius Nyerere Links PO Box 296 Accra Ghana

Americas and the Caribbean The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition The Royal Commonwealth Society P.O. Box 878 Bridgetown Barbados

Asia The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition Education Department British Council 30 Napier Road Singapore 258509

Pacific The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition PO Box 10-741 Wellington 6143 New Zealand

Please ensure your envelope is clearly labelled with ‘The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition’.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2019

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Union Bank Management Trainee Programme 2019 for young Nigerian Graduates.

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Think Trade, Think Green: Commonwealth Innovative Youth Essay Award

This competition, brought to you by the Trade and Youth teams of the Commonwealth Secretariat, invites young researchers and students aged 18-29 to share their insights on a crucial topic: How can trade and trade policy address an aspect of the climate crisis in your country?

About the competition

To challenge young people in the Commonwealth to explore the relationship between trade and climate change and propose how trade policy can be part of the solution to the climate crisis.

Essay topic

In what ways do you think trade and trade policy can help to address an aspect of the climate crisis in your country? Identify a specific problem, explain how it is linked to the climate crisis, and clearly explain how trade or trade policy can be used to address it.

You must be aged between 18-29 years old and a Commonwealth national to participate in this competition.

Important dates

• Start date: 15 July 2024
• Submission deadline: 21 August 2024
• Winners informed: 2 September 2024

Submission details

Requirements.

• Essays must be a maximum of 2,000 words (including in-text references and footnotes, excluding reference list)
• Full referencing in any style (in-text and reference list)
• Entries should be submitted as a single PDF or Word file, 1.5 spacing, Times New Roman font

Details to include

• Nationality
• Contact information (email, address, telephone)
• CV or short bio

Please email your submission and details to [email protected]  by 21 August 2024. If you have any questions about the competition, please contact  [email protected] .

Judging criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the originality of the challenges identified and solutions proposed, quality of writing and coherence with international trade policy frameworks

All essays will be blind peer-reviewed by the Trade and Youth Team. A distinguished panel will assess the papers and award a prize to the author of the best essay.

• First prize: £1,000
• Second and third prizes: £500 each

The top three essays will be published as part of the Trade Competitiveness Briefing Series and launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October.

Terms and conditions

• The Commonwealth Secretariat reserves the right to publish the material produced by the authors in any form.
• The Secretariat will respect data protection laws and best practices.
• The Secretariat reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition details .

About the Commonwealth Year of Youth

The Commonwealth’s 56 member countries have a combined population of 2.7 billion people, with over 60% aged between 15 and 29. The Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP) has focused on youth empowerment for over 50 years, recognising it as a prerequisite for economic growth and inclusive development.

In collaboration with the Secretariat’s Trade Competitiveness Section , the CYP invites young people to participate in this essay competition, amplifying their voices in climate action and policy. This initiative aligns with the Year of Youth objectives, promoting youth-led entrepreneurship, resilience and climate adaptation.

Join us in this exciting opportunity to make your voice heard and contribute to shaping a sustainable future!

Explore our youth work

About our trade work.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

Deadline: 1 May 2019 Open to:  nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories,as well as residents of the Maldives and Zimbabwe Benefits: valuable prizes

Description

Building on the 2018 theme of Towards a Common Future, this year’s topics call upon young people to consider how they can work to use cultural, technological and environmental connections for positive change across the Commonwealth. It asks young people to consider the potential of the Commonwealth in strengthening the vast and varied links between citizens.

Eligibility

This competition is an opportunity for all young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education or background, to share ideas, celebrate their story and have their voice heard – all whilst developing key skills.

Entrants must select a Senior or Junior topic depending on their age on 1st June 2019. Senior entrants must be born between 2nd June 2000 and 1st June 2005 (14-18) and Junior entrants must be born after 2 June 2005 (under 14 years of age).

The topics are:

For a senior entrants (14-18 years of age):

• ‘You are the most optimistic, connected generation the world has ever known.’ HRH The Duke of Sussex. How can you use Commonwealth connections for positive change?
• Connected by the oceans; can we work together to protect the environment?
• ‘We are all now connected by the Internet’ – Stephen Hawking. What does the future hold for humankind?
• Family, Community, Nation, Commonwealth. What are the opportunities for shared, sustainable growth?

For a junior entrants (under 14 years of age)

• My cultural connections.
• An overseas visitor is coming to your town for the first time. How would you connect with them?
• A place I feel connected to.
• The Commonwealth connects people across borders – what can we learn from our neighbours?

Other eligibilities:

• The maximum word counts are  1,500 words for Senior  entries and  750 words for Junior  entries. These word limits apply to all topics and all formats (essay, poem, letter, etc). Exceeding the word count will result in automatic disqualification.
• Entries must be written in English.
• Only  one entry per participant  is allowed. Once an essay is submitted, students/teachers will  not have the opportunity to revise it. Please carefully check and improve your writing before submitting the final copy, and also ensure that all supplementary information is filled in correctly (name, contact details, topic number, etc.)
• Plagiarism is not accepted in the competition. Every year a number of students are disqualified because they are suspected of plagiarism. Please see the  guide to plagiarism  before submitting.
• Final documents should not include the entrants personal details including name, age, school or country. This information should be inputted upon entry.
• The final copy submitted for the competition  must  be the entrant’s own work, and cannot be excessively corrected or improved by another person. This does not rule out input or assistance from others but does exclude group entries.
• By entering the competition, you agree that your personal details including full name, gender, email, school and essay may be sent to your local RCS branch and any Essay Competition partners. See Clause 4.1.6 of the RCS’  Privacy Policy   for more information. Please note: Winners and Runners-up of the pan-Commonwealth competition will have their full names, schools, essays and photographs displayed on the RCS website and social media channels.
• Essays can only be uploaded as a  Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or in PDF format (.pdf) . The online platform does not accept Google Docs (.gdoc), Pages documents (.pages) or other word processor formats. Note: if we are unable to find or open your essay file (either through an incorrect format or upload error), your entry may not be counted in the competition.
• All online entries must be submitted before midnight (GMT) on  1st June 2019;   any offline entries must arrive at RCS London by   1 st   May 2019
• All entrants retain the copyright rights that they have for the pieces they submit, but by entering The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, each contestant consents to the use of his/her name, and/or pieces or parts thereof in any advertisements, educational materials, corpus research or media and publicity carried out or produced by the Royal Commonwealth Society and its local branches without further notice or compensation. The Royal Commonwealth Society can publish or decline to publish; use or decline to use, any submitted pieces at the Royal Commonwealth Society’s sole discretion.
• The RCS suggests that entrants retain a copy of their original work as regretfully we are unable to return or provide copies of submissions.
• The RCS retains the right to change the prize of the competition if circumstances make this necessary.
• The RCS will only be able to publish on our website and in our literature content that is appropriate for a wide and diverse audience, in line with our own policies. Entrants are encouraged to consider this in relation to their use of language when entering the competition.

Prizes have traditionally been awarded only to the first prize winners in the Senior and Junior categories and also vary year by year. Prizes will be announced until after the winners are announced in August 2019. Past prizes have included certificates, resources for winner’s school, visits to Cambridge University, a trip to London and a week of activities, work experience at international organisations, and having your entry featured in worldwide media.

How to apply?

In order to apply, please register here .

For more information, please visit the official web page .

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MEET THE WINNERS OF THE QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION 2022

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is the world's oldest international schools' writing contest, established by the Society in 1883. With thousands of young people taking part each year, it is an important way to recognise achievement, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing. 

Each year, entrants write on a theme that explores the Commonwealth's values, fostering an empathetic world view in the next generation of leaders and encouraging young people to consider new perspectives to the challenges that the world faces. Themes have included the environment, community, inclusion, the role of youth leadership, and gender equality. 

In the past decade alone, this high-profile competition has engaged approximately 140,000 young people, over 5,000 schools and thousands of volunteer judges across the Commonwealth. 

This year, the competition theme was 'Our Commonwealth', reflecting on our Patron Queen Elizabeth II's seven decades of service to the Commonwealth as an inspiring example of the steadfast commitment and important contribution we can all make to our societies.

We were thrilled to receive a record-breaking 26,322 entries to the QCEC from every Commonwealth region, with the winners and runners-up from New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and India. Find out more about this year's winners below and watch their reactions on discovering this significant achievement!

Sawooly Li 

Senior Winner 

Age 17, New Zealand 

Sawooly Li is a 12th grade student from Rangitoto College in New Zealand. Reading and writing have always been second nature for her—a way of expressing visions, thoughts, and emotions. She loves drawing inspiration and learning from other great writers and their works. Both reading and writing are things which Sawooly aspires to continue far, far, into the future.

Sawooly also has a love for maths and physics, and is heavily involved in such areas in her school, running clubs and participating in competitions. Fostering a strong sense of community, she also leads several in-school organisations, such as UN Youth and UNICEF. In the winters, Sawooly enjoys snowboarding in New Zealand’s beautiful mountains with friends and family.

Read Sawooly's winning entry, 'Willow Trees and Waterholes' .

Madeleine Wood

Junior Winner 

Age 14, Australia 

Madeleine is 14 years old and lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is in grade 8 at Camberwell Girls Grammar School.

She loves travelling, particularly through Europe, and enjoys visiting the museums, historical landmarks and cities in each country. It is from these experiences that she gained a love for ancient, medieval, and renaissance history.

She is also an avid reader, plays the violin and spends much of her time playing basketball or swimming.

Read her winning poem, 'Catalina' .

Amaal Fawzi

Senior Runner-up

Age 17, United Kingdom

Amaal Fawzi is a 17-year-old girl who was born in Egypt, raised in Lebanon, and now lives in East London. She has an Iraqi father and a British mother, and because of the education system in Lebanon, she has started university a year early! She studies English Literature with Creative Writing and has been writing poetry for many years, though she wouldn’t say she’s been writing poetry well for all of them.

Most of the poetry and prose she likes to write is concerned with culture and identity. Her years in Lebanon formed the majority of her character and cultural experiences, so learning to interact with that in the UK has been a very interesting season. It makes for a lot of writing material, and she’d say that the way she writes is always personal and drawn somehow from her own life.

Read Amaal's poem, 'Nursing Homes' . 

Maulika Pandey

Junior  Runner-up

Age 13, India

Maulika Pandey, is an 8th grade student from Aurum the Global School.

She has always enjoyed writing since she was a child as she feels writing gives her the power to express her feelings in a creative way. Maulika also enjoys sketching and playing the guitar. Basketball is her favourite sport.

She aspires to be a successful entrepreneur but will definitely continue writing in the future.

She is a dedicated advocate for anti-bullying and body positivity.

Read her entry titled, 'The Molai Forest' .

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Guest Essay

Trump Can Win on Character

By Rich Lowry

Mr. Lowry is the editor in chief of National Review.

With the defenestration of President Biden and the ascent of Kamala Harris, conventional wisdom has gone from asking, “How can Donald Trump lose?” to “How can he win?”

It’s basically a tossup race, but a successful Harris rollout and convention, coupled with a stumbling Trump performance since Mr. Biden’s exit, have created a sense of irresistible Harris momentum.

As usual when he falters, Mr. Trump is getting a lot of advice from his own side.

For as long as Mr. Trump has been in the ascendancy in the G.O.P., he will go off on some pointless tangent, and Republicans will urge him — perhaps as they hustle down a corridor of the U.S. Capitol — to talk about the economy instead of his controversy du jour.

A close cousin of this perpetual advice is the admonition that Mr. Trump should concentrate more on the issues in this campaign. Neither recommendation is wrong, but they are insufficient to make the case against Kamala Harris.

Presidential races are won and lost on character as much as the issues, and often the issues are proxies for character. Not character in the sense of a candidate’s personal life but the attributes that play into the question of whether someone is suited to the presidency — is he or she qualified, trustworthy and strong, and does he or she care about average Americans?

Presidential races, in this sense, are deeply personal; they usually involve disqualifying the opposing candidate, rather than convincing voters that his or her platform is wrongheaded.

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