The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 (QCEC), hosted by the Royal Commonwealth Society, is now accepting submissions from passionate young writers around the world. This distinguished annual competition is the world’s oldest international schools writing contest, first launched in 1883. Over a century later, it continues to serve as a powerful platform for youth across the Commonwealth to express their ideas, build their global identity, and contribute meaningfully to a diverse, interconnected future.

The theme for this year is “Our Commonwealth Story”—an invitation for participants to explore their place within the Commonwealth through imagination, cultural heritage, and lived experiences. From revisiting traditional folktales to envisioning a future of equal education, this competition is an opportunity to write your truth, showcase creativity, and join a vibrant global youth movement.

Each year, thousands of young people take part in the competition from nearly every continent, reflecting the voices of the 54-member Commonwealth and beyond. Whether you are a budding poet, an aspiring novelist, or someone simply moved by a cause—this is your chance to be heard.

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Host Country:

United Kingdom

Organized By:

Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS)

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Program Focus: Youth Writing, Global Citizenship, Commonwealth Values

This year’s theme, “Our Commonwealth Story,” encourages young people to reflect on stories—personal and collective—that shape their experience in the world. It acknowledges that the power of storytelling can build understanding, empathy, and unity among people from all walks of life.

Participants can write about:

• Access to education

• National myths and folklore

• Stories of migration and belonging

• Environmental challenges and climate resilience

• Personal moments of growth through books, travel, or learning

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Benefits of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025

Participating in this globally respected competition brings with it numerous opportunities for recognition and growth:

• A one-week fully funded trip to London for the top winners in each category

• Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals awarded to outstanding writers

• Certificates of Participation for every eligible entrant

• Winners will attend a royal awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace or a comparable prestigious venue

• Global recognition in Commonwealth media and publications

• Feedback from professional readers and educators

• Valuable academic credential for school, college, or scholarship applications

• Opportunities to connect with youth writers across the Commonwealth

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Junior Category: Born on or after 23 May 2011

• Senior Category: Born between 23 May 2006 and 23 May 2011

• Open to citizens or residents of any Commonwealth country

• Also open to young people from Ireland, Hong Kong, and Zimbabwe

• Non-Commonwealth residents may participate through a recognized Royal Commonwealth Society branch

• All entries must be written in English

• Only one entry per person is permitted

• Participants must not include personal information in the body of the essay

• Essays must be original—plagiarized or AI-generated work will be disqualified

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Essay Topics for 2025

Submissions must be based on one of the prompts provided for each age category. Writers are free to interpret the theme creatively.

Senior Category (ages 14–18):

• Imagine a Commonwealth where everyone has equal access to education

• Retell a famous piece of folklore in a surprising new way

• Describe a time a book took you on a meaningful journey

• Write a story from the perspective of a plant growing in your community

Junior Category (under 14):

• Write about learning something fascinating about another Commonwealth country

• Describe a sea voyage between two Commonwealth nations

• Imagine entering your favorite book through a secret door

• Create a fictional “Animal CHOGM” (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting): what would the animals discuss?

Submissions may be in the form of:

• Short stories

• Essays

• Poems

• Letters

All formats are accepted as long as they follow the word count and content guidelines.

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Word Count and Format

• Senior Category: Maximum 1500 words

• Junior Category: Maximum 750 words

Important Guidelines:

• Submissions must be the writer’s original work

• Do not include personal names, schools, or contact information in the body of the essay

• Footnotes and references are allowed but are not counted toward the word limit

• Formatting must follow standard readability guidelines (no all-caps, no extreme stylization)

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How to Apply

The submission process is easy and entirely online. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete:

1. Visit the official QCEC submission portal

2. Click on the “Submit Your Entry” button

3. Choose whether you are submitting as an individual or part of a group (e.g., a school class)

4. Accept the terms and conditions

5. Fill in your personal information and guardian contact if under 18

6. Select your age category, chosen topic, and essay title

7. Paste your essay in the text box or upload a .doc or .pdf file

8. Review your work carefully before clicking Submit

Once submitted, participants will receive an email confirmation. Late entries or emailed entries will not be accepted.

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Application Deadline

23 May 2025

All entries must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on this date. Early submission is encouraged to avoid technical issues. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances.

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Why Participate in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition?

Participating in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is a milestone achievement for any young person. Beyond awards and recognition, it nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and cross-cultural empathy—skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.

This is your chance to:

• Write about real-world issues that matter to your generation

• Connect with other young writers across borders

• Be part of a prestigious literary tradition dating back over 140 years

• Showcase your perspective on Commonwealth values, including democracy, sustainability, diversity, and youth empowerment

• Earn recognition that may boost future scholarship and internship opportunities

Many past winners of the competition have gone on to become authors, journalists, diplomats, and leaders in their respective fields.

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Tips for a Strong Submission

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to plan, draft, and revise

• Choose a prompt that resonates with you personally

• Follow the word limit and format guidelines closely

• Write in your own voice and let your passion come through

• Avoid clichés; instead, aim for fresh perspectives and detailed storytelling

• Ask a teacher or mentor to review your draft

• Double-check grammar, punctuation, and clarity

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Final Thoughts

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 is a unique opportunity for young people to speak out, be creative, and engage globally. By participating, you join a long-standing tradition of empowering youth voices across continents and cultures.

Whether your story speaks of change, tradition, struggle, or hope—let your words represent your voice, your generation, and your Commonwealth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become part of something truly historic. Submit your essay, and you might just find yourself standing in London among future global leaders.