The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

Published by sanja

Deadline: 30 June 2020
Open to: nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories,as well as residents of the Maldives and Zimbabwe
Benefits: entrants received Gold, Silver and Bronze awards; all winners will  visit London and will take part in a week of educational and cultural events, including an Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall

Description

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020 was launched in Christchurch, New Zealand by the Society’s Vice-Patron HRH The Duchess of Cornwall on the theme ‘Climate Action and the Commonwealth’. Young people are called upon to consider their position and power in bringing about change, and how the Commonwealth can be used as a tool for positive action.

To see the topics for the Senior and Junior category, click here.

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 30th June 2020. Senior entrants must be born between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2006 (14-18 years) and Junior entrants must be born after 1 July 2006 (under 14 years of age);
  • The maximum word counts are 1,500 words for Senior entries and 750 words for Junior These word limits apply to all topics and all formats (essay, poem, letter, etc);
  • Only one entry per participant is allowed.

You can read the detailed description of terms and conditions here.

Awards

Prizes vary on a year by year basis.  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. Winners will also receive a certificate sent to them through their email.

This year (2019) entries across every region of the Commonwealth and approximately one third of entrants received Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. Approximately 140 aspiring young writers received Gold Finalist Awards and were among those selected for consideration by the Final Panel. In recognition of their outstanding achievement, all winners will visit London and will take part in a week of educational and cultural events, including an Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.

How to apply?

You can submit your entry online through their online platform. Once you’ve submitted your piece, your personal online dashboard will confirm that you have entered. This is also where you can download your certificate from when the results are announced in September 2020.

It’s important to note that no entry will be accepted by email. 

For more information, please visit the official website.