Explore student competitions.

QUICK SUMMARY

An international academic essay competition where students respond to subject-specific questions across a wide range of disciplines. Open to students aged 13–18 worldwide. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from independent research, subject knowledge, critical analysis and competitive international judging.

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Rated Advanced, these subject essay prizes are intended for eligible secondary students who submit individual written work online. Because annual subjects and eligibility can change, entrants should confirm the current Peterhouse page before choosing a question. The main challenge is developing an independent argument, selecting convincing evidence and sustaining precise academic writing within the stated brief.

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Rated Advanced, A worldwide literary-analysis essay contest based on Ayn Rand’s novel The Fountainhead. Enrolled middle- and high-school students aged 13 or older apply and submit an original response online. Entrants must manage a long novel, distinguish plot summary from analysis and build a precise argument about character, ethics and ideas.

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Rated Intermediate, this UK poetry competition is for students aged at least 16 and under 19 who are in secondary education. Entrants submit one anonymous poem responding to the annual theme for judging and cash prizes. The main challenge is developing an original poetic idea while controlling imagery, sound, lineation and editing within a single polished submission.

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Rated Intermediate, Write the World runs free monthly online competitions across changing writing genres, with entrants producing and revising an original piece for the current prompt. Writers aged 13–19 worldwide can enter individually through a free account; exact prompts and closing dates change each month. The main challenge is shaping an original response to a focused brief, using feedback selectively, and completing a polished revision within the monthly window.

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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.

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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.

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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.