The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is now open for submissions. The theme for this year’s competition is Our Commonwealth Journey.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, established in 1883. With thousands of young people taking part every year, it is an important way to recognise achievement, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing.

  

Eligibility: Below 18 years

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 is now open for entries until 23 May 2025. 

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))

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“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?

Winning Categories

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

GUIDELINES

 Nationals and residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories aged 18 and under are eligible to enter the competition, including entrants from Zimbabwe.

 • All entries must be written in English 

• Entries are accepted from residents of non-Commonwealth countries who submit through their local RCS branch. 

• Entrants can be presented in any form/ method of creative writing. Pictures/ Illustrations are particularly encouraged in the Junior Category.