The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883, is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools. It offers young Commonwealth citizens the opportunity to express their ideas on key global issues.

Interested in the competition?

Competition Overview

Junior Awards: Under 14; Senior Awards: Ages 14-18

Eligibility

Free

Entry Fee

March 4, 2026

Submission Open

May 2026

Submission Deadline

📌 Note: Aralia is not the organizer of this competition. For official rules, deadlines, and updates, please refer directly to the competition organizer. Aralia provides listings and information about competitions for student reference. Aralia is an online education platform offering competition preparation classes to students worldwide.

Competition Details

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: TBA

Junior Category: TBA

2. Theme

TBA

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. Across the Commonwealth’s five regions, a dedicated regional winner will be selected, and from these students, one will be named the overall competition winner.

One Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week for events and workshops, and finally an Awards Ceremony at a Royal 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

Submission Details

1. Word Limit

Entries must be in English, with a maximum word count of 1,500 words for Senior entries and 750 words for Junior. Only one entry per participant is accepted.