The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024

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.

'Our Common Wealth'

The theme for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place in Samoa in October 2024, is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.   

 The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 asks entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues.  

Eligibility: Below 18 years

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 is now open for entries until 15 May 2024. 

SENIOR CATEGORY (Born between 16 May 2005 and 15 May 2010 (14-18 years of age)) 

"It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change."– Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis?   

Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it.      

At the heart of Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, co-operation, respect and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance co-operation and community in the Commonwealth?  

The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims. 

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JUNIOR CATEGORY (Born on or after 16 May 2010 (under 14 years of age))

What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?   

Write a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent about resilience and hope. What can you share with the older generation, and what can you learn from them?  

You are taking part in a beach clean-up and discover that you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?

You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).

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.