Application Deadline: May 23rd, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. The theme for this year’s competition is Our Commonwealth Journey. Journeys are a fundamental aspect of our lives, helping us to explore, to learn, and to grow. Throughout history, nations, communities, and individuals have undertaken their own journeys, navigating the tides of an ever-changing world. Since its founding in 1949, the Commonwealth has undertaken many journeys to evolve into its current form, with 56 member countries, and recently celebrating its 75th anniversary.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, therefore, asks entrants to consider the relevance of journeys in a Commonwealth context, whether geographical, historical or personal. What journeys the Commonwealth has taken or may take in the future, as well as to reflect on their own individual journeys.
SENIOR CATEGORY
(Born between 23 May 2006 and 23 May 2011 (14-18 years of age))
- 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
(Born on or after 23 May 2011 (under 14 years of age))
- “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?
Eligibility Requirements
- 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 where there is an operating RCS branch or affiliated/partner organisation are also eligible; however, entries must be submitted via the local RCS branch or affiliated/partner organisation.
Prizes
- One Winner and Runner Up will be chosen from each category. Winners and Runners Up (accompanied by one adult/guardian) will be brought to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony.
- A number of Gold Finalist, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be given in both the Senior and Junior categories, rewarding excellence in writing.
- All successful entries will receive a Certificate of Participation. Local RCS branches often hold local and regional ceremonies or offer prizes so if you were made aware of the competition by your local RCS branch, please contact them after the competition closes on 15 May to inquire about any activities they might have planned.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition