Explore student competitions.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this island-of-Ireland poetry speaking competition is entered through post-primary schools, with three age categories. A virtual first round leads to an in-person semi-final and national final. The main challenge is interpreting selected poems, memorising or preparing them securely and delivering language with clarity, control and genuine understanding.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this Poetry Ireland education hub brings together several opportunities for post-primary students, with eligibility, entry route and format varying by competition. Pupils or schools should choose a specific listed programme before preparing. The main challenge is matching work or performance to the correct brief while maintaining originality, accuracy and a strong command of language.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, The EngineerGirl / EngineerTeen contest asked students to combine a two-dimensional artwork with an artist’s statement and engineering-design reflection. Individual students in US grades 3–12, including homeschooled and international equivalents, could enter one grade category; The main challenge is coordinating research, visual design, audience awareness, iterative testing, and concise written explanation in one original submission.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, this law essay prize is intended for eligible Year 12 or Lower Sixth students, with international equivalents covered by the published Trinity guidance. Entrants choose the set question and submit one individual essay online. The main challenge is analysing a legal issue independently, structuring a precise argument and using relevant evidence without drifting into unsupported assertion.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Beginner, this UK creative-writing competition is for primary pupils aged 7–12, with schools or families able to use the published submission route. Entrants create a short original story within the stated word limit for judging and possible publication. The main challenge is building a complete, entertaining idea with vivid language in very little space.

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Stranger Sagas is an online UK creative-writing competition for secondary-age students, with entries accepted through schools or the published family route. Writers submit an original story for judging and possible publication. The main challenge is creating a distinctive setting and plot, sustaining tension and character, and delivering a satisfying narrative within the competition's required length.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Intermediate, this international online writing competition is open to eligible Commonwealth participants aged 18 or under, using the published age category and topic. Entrants submit an individual original response. The main challenge is interpreting a broad theme with a distinctive perspective, then controlling voice, structure and detail well enough to engage readers across different Commonwealth contexts.

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An international essay competition where students respond to thought-provoking questions across the humanities, social sciences and contemporary issues. Open to students aged 11–18 worldwide, with separate junior and senior divisions. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from independent research, critical analysis and highly competitive global judging.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, these international online writing categories include opportunities focused on teen, young-adult and middle-grade work. Writers select the relevant category, follow its submission requirements and submit original material for judging. The main challenge is producing a distinctive, polished piece with a compelling voice, controlled structure and a strong fit for the chosen readership.

QUICK SUMMARY

Wild Wonders is a UK poetry competition for young writers aged 4–18, with schools or families using the published submission route. Entrants create an original nature-themed poem for judging, possible publication and prizes. The main challenge is choosing vivid, specific language and shaping a complete response that feels personal while remaining clear within the competition's length guidance.

QUICK SUMMARY

Rated Advanced, this international essay prize is open to women in Year 12 or equivalent, regardless of school or country. Entrants respond individually to the published question and submit their essay online or by the stated route. The main challenge is developing an original, well-supported argument with precise structure, confident analysis and careful academic expression.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international poetry competition where young writers submit original poems in English. Open to poets aged 11–17 worldwide. Rated Intermediate Level, with difficulty mainly coming from originality, poetic craft and highly competitive international judging.