The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 invites young voices from across the globe to take part in one of the most historic and prestigious youth writing contests in the world. Established in 1883 and organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), this annual competition aims to empower students from Commonwealth countries to reflect on global themes through the art of storytelling and essay writing.
Under this year’s theme, “Our Commonwealth Story,” participants will explore their shared and individual identities while connecting with cultural narratives across diverse nations. This literary platform nurtures critical thinking, creative expression, and intercultural understanding—skills that shape the future leaders of the Commonwealth.
Whether you’re a budding poet, an aspiring journalist, or simply someone with a passion for expressing ideas, the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is your opportunity to gain global recognition and contribute to the legacy of international youth dialogue.
Program Details
Host Country:
United Kingdom
Program Location:
London (for top prize winners)
Program Dates:
The Winners’ Week Trip will take place in London; dates to be announced in 2025.
Program Themes and Focus Areas:
Commonwealth values
Identity and belonging
Youth empowerment
Literature and storytelling
Cultural and social history
Each year, the competition rotates themes that reflect the priorities of the modern Commonwealth, offering young writers the chance to engage with global challenges and personal experiences through the written word.
Benefits of Participation
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 offers multiple tiers of awards and life-changing opportunities:
Fully Funded One-Week Winners’ Trip to London:
Top winners in both Junior and Senior categories are invited to the UK to attend a week of cultural, educational, and ceremonial events, including a special awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace or another royal venue.Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards:
A large number of entrants are recognized for excellence in writing with medals and special commendations.Certificate of Participation:
All eligible participants receive a certificate, acknowledging their submission and creative effort.Global Recognition:
Join a historic legacy and gain recognition from one of the world’s oldest youth writing competitions.Publication Opportunities:
Select winning entries may be published on the RCS website and other affiliated platforms, amplifying your voice on a global stage.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Nationality or Residency:
Open to citizens or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories.
Residents of Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong are also eligible.
Non-Commonwealth entrants may apply through a registered Royal Commonwealth Society branch.Age Requirements:
Divided into two entry categories:Senior Category: Applicants born between 23 May 2006 and 22 May 2011 (ages 14–18)
Junior Category: Applicants born on or after 23 May 2011 (under age 14)
Language:
Essays must be submitted in English.
No entry fee is required, making this a truly accessible opportunity for students around the world.
Essay Topics for 2025
Participants are invited to write on one of the official prompts under the theme “Our Commonwealth Story.” The questions encourage personal reflection, cultural exploration, and the creative re-imagining of historical or future narratives.
Each age group will be given a unique set of questions to choose from. These may include prompts such as:
“Tell a story that represents a Commonwealth value you hold dear.”
“Imagine meeting someone from a different Commonwealth country—what would you want to learn from them?”
“Write about a moment when you felt part of something bigger than yourself.”
“Create a fictional tale that celebrates unity in diversity.”
All entries must be original, unpublished, and written solely by the student.
How to Apply
The application process for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is straightforward and entirely online:
Visit the Official Website of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Click “Apply Now” to access the registration portal.
Accept the official Terms and Conditions.
Select your application status:
Individual entrant, or
Group submission (e.g., school or institution)
Enter personal information, including the guardian’s email address for those under 18.
Choose your essay category (Senior or Junior) and select your topic.
Provide your essay title and submit your entry via:
Typed text box in the portal, or
File attachment (PDF or Word document)
Review all details carefully and confirm submission.
No hard copy submissions are required. Multiple entries are not allowed; each student may submit one essay only.
Required Formatting Guidelines
Word Count Limits:
Junior Category: Maximum of 750 words
Senior Category: Maximum of 1500 words
Plagiarism Check:
All submissions are screened for originality. Plagiarized essays will be disqualified.File Format:
If uploading a file, use .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
Students are encouraged to write creatively and authentically—real stories, fictional narratives, journal entries, and reflective essays are all accepted.
Application Deadline
🗓 Deadline: 23 May 2024
Entries submitted after this date will not be considered. Early submission is encouraged to avoid technical delays.
Selection and Judging Process
Entries are judged based on the following criteria:
Content relevance to the theme
Creativity and originality
Structure and organization
Grammar and language use
Emotional impact or insight
Essays are reviewed by a panel of international judges from educational, literary, and diplomatic backgrounds. Winners are notified by email and public announcement on the RCS website.
What is the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition?
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international schools writing competition, having inspired over a century of young authors to share their stories and visions. It offers a platform for youth to express ideas, explore cultural identity, and develop their voice through writing.
Each year, the competition grows in scope and prestige, with over 20,000 students from more than 100 countries submitting essays annually.
Past winners have gone on to become published authors, journalists, diplomats, and civic leaders. For many, this competition serves as a stepping stone toward scholarships, university opportunities, and a lifetime of engagement in global issues.
Final Thoughts
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 is more than just a writing contest—it’s a celebration of youth talent, creativity, and the shared values that connect the diverse nations of the Commonwealth. By participating, students not only sharpen their writing and critical thinking skills but also gain access to a vibrant global community and an enduring tradition of international dialogue.
If you are a young writer who dreams of being heard on the world stage, this is your chance to turn your story into a force for unity and understanding.
Application Deadline:
23 May 2024
