Is there a word limit for the essays?

Yes, different word count rules apply to Junior and Senior categories. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details.

Latest

13,000 reasons for a better future

With 13,000 entries from across the Commonwealth we are delighted to announce that judging is now complete and certificates are available to download at competitions.thercs.org. Congratulations to all who entered!
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a Young Leader

This Mental Health Day, Associate Fellow Rianna Patterson from Dominica shares her advice on how to take care of your mental health as a young leader.
Anthony Joshua and Lewis Pugh appointed Ambassadors

World heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, OBE, and UN Patron of Oceans, Lewis Pugh, OIG, have been appointed Ambassadors of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
The Commonwealth: Towards Kigali 2021

On 10 September 2020 we convened Lord Ahmad, the Lord Mayor of the City of London and Patricia Ithau to discuss what will be on the agenda during the UK's extended Chair-in-Office period. Read the report and watch the webinar to learn more.

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition

An opportunity for young Commonwealth citizens to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on key global issues.
Anthony Joshua and Lewis Pugh appointed Ambassadors

World heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, OBE, and UN Patron of Oceans, Lewis Pugh, OIG, have been appointed Ambassadors of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall Encourages Entries To The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020

The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition has been gathering English language entries of aspiring young writers' thoughts on key issues of the day since 1883. With children across the Commonwealth out of school, we are delighted to share a message from our Vice-Patron HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, inspiring children and young people to enter The Queens Commonwealth Essay Competition 2020.
Accessibility
Geri Horner, David Walliams, Alexandra Burke and Gyles Brandreth appointed Ambassadors

To mark the Society's 152nd anniversary, Geri Horner, David Walliams, Alexandra Burke and Gyles Brandreth have been appointed as inaugural Ambassadors.
Social Action Youth Exchange Programme: UK-Cyprus 2020-2021

An opportunity for young people aged 18-25 to discover another culture and become active citizens. A chance to inspire others and make a difference through Youth Social Action. Application deadline extended until 11:59PM GMT, Sunday, 1 November 2020.
The Commonwealth Service

Held in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Service is the world's premier, inter-faith, public event to celebrate the Commonwealth of Nations. Find out how to attend.
Vision and mission

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is a network of individuals and organisations committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens across the world. We champion the importance of literacy, equality and inclusion, the environment and connected communities across the Commonwealth’s 54 member nations.
Resources

Useful resources for teachers, parents and entrants interested in the QCEC. We have created promotional materials and supporting resources to provide all the information needed to enter the QCEC.
13,000 reasons for a better future

With 13,000 entries from across the Commonwealth we are delighted to announce that judging is now complete and certificates are available to download at competitions.thercs.org. Congratulations to all who entered!