We are delighted to announce that The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is now open for submissions. 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.

There are also many great journeys to be had within the Commonwealth, which spans five continents, is responsible for a third of the world’s oceans and has a hugely diverse population of 2.7 billion people.

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.

Benefits of RCS Essay Competition

Each category will have one winner and one runner-up. Winners and runners-up (supported by one adult/guardian) will go to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a spectacular Awards Ceremony.

A handful of Gold Finalist, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards will be granted in both the Senior and Junior categories to recognise excellence in writing.

All successful entrants will be awarded a Certificate of Participation. Local RCS branches frequently host local and regional ceremonies or award prizes, so if you were informed of the competition by your local RCS chapter, please contact them after the competition closes on May 15 to enquire about any activities they may have planned.

Requirements for RCS Essay Competition

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.

Selection Process

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?

Application Deadline

May 23, 2025

How to Apply

For more details, visit RCS webpage