The Royal Commonwealth Society invites students from across the globe to participate in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) 2025, the world’s oldest international schools writing contest, established in 1883.

This year’s theme, “Our Commonwealth Story,” invites participants to reflect on their personal and shared experiences within the Commonwealth — from national folklore and books to access to education and environmental change. With submissions divided into Junior (under 14) and Senior (14–18) categories, this is an incredible platform for youth to voice their thoughts, showcase their creativity, and develop global connections.

Host Country:

• United Kingdom

Organized By:

• Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS)

Benefits of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025:

• One-week fully funded trip to London for top winners

• Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals awarded across both age categories

• Certificate of Participation for all eligible entrants

• Opportunity to gain international exposure and build academic credentials

Check: Schneider Go Green Competition 2025 | Win up to €10,000

Eligibility 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 all Commonwealth countries

• Also open to participants from Ireland, Hong Kong, and Zimbabwe

• Non-Commonwealth country residents must submit entries via local RCS branches

• All essays must be in English only

• Each participant may submit only one entry

Essay Topics for 2025:

Senior Category:

• 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:

• 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” — what would the animals discuss?

Requirements:

• Max 1500 words (Senior) and 750 words (Junior)

• Acceptable formats: essays, poems, stories, or letters

• Submissions must not include personal details in the essay body

• Plagiarized work will be rejected

• Footnotes and references are excluded from word count

• Submit through the official portal only

How to Apply:

1. Go to the official QCEC application portal

2. Accept terms and conditions

3. Choose Individual or Group entry

4. Enter required information and guardian contact

5. Select your topic and provide a title

6. Submit your entry via textbox or upload

7. Double-check your work before final submission

Deadline:

23 May 2025