The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

1. Competition Category

The competition is divided into two categories: the Senior category (ages 14-18) and the Junior category (ages under 14). 

Senior Category: 

• Equal access to education is enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter as one of the key values and aspirations that unite the Commonwealth. While the Commonwealth has come a long way on the journey towards this, there is still progress to be made. Imagine a Commonwealth in which everyone has the same access to education.
• National legends and folklore can take us on a journey through history and culture. Retell a famous folklore from your own or another Commonwealth country in a surprising way.
• “Human beings have always needed the connection of literature – its wisdom as well as its sheer escapism.” – Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Books can take us on journeys to the wildest and most unexpected places! Write about a time a book took you on a journey; how did it affect you?

• From tiny seeds to large redwoods, trees and plants experience changes and growth throughout their life cycles. Write a story about the life journey of a plant growing in the centre of your community; what does it experience?

Junior Category: 

• “Together, we represent a third of humanity, with all the splendidly diverse complexity that this entails.” – His Majesty King Charles. Learning new information can take us on journeys to new places. Write about a time you learned something interesting about a different Commonwealth country from your own.
• Commonwealth states range from small island nations like Nauru to larger countries like India. Write an account of a sea voyage from one Commonwealth country to a small island Commonwealth nation. What do you see, who do you meet?
• You embark on a very special journey when you discover a secret door that takes you into your favourite book! What happens next?

• October 2024 saw Commonwealth leaders travel to Samoa for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Imagine what an animal CHOGM would look like! Which animals travel there? What do they discuss?

2. Theme

The competition theme is Our Commonwealth Journey.

3. Eligibility

The competition is open to students aged 14-18 (Senior Category) and under 14 (Junior Category). The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of Hong Kong, Ireland and Zimbabwe. Residents of non-Commonwealth countries with an operating RCS branch or affiliated/partner organization are also eligible to enter; however, entries must be submitted via the local RCS branch or affiliated/partner organization.

4. Scholarships and Prizes

All participants will 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 for events and workshops, finally an Awards Ceremony at a Royale Palace. Award details are below: 

Junior Awards Categories (Under 14s)

• Junior Winner
• Junior Runner-up
• Gold Awards
• Silver Awards
• Bronze Awards
• Certificate of Participation

Senior Awards Categories (Under 14-18)

• ​Senior Winner
• Senior Runner-up
• Gold Awards
• Silver Awards
• Bronze Awards
• Certificate of Participation