Since 1883, we have delivered The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, the world's oldest international schools' writing competition. Today, we work to expand its reach, providing life-changing opportunities for young people around the world.
An opportunity for young Commonwealth citizens to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on key global issues and have their hard work and achievement celebrated internationally. Read more
Each year, aspiring young writers are asked to submit their pieces in response to a theme based on Commonwealth values. For 2021 the theme was 'Community in the Commonwealth', and we were delighted to receive a record-breaking 25,648 entries, with the winners from Kenya, Uganda and India. Read their winning pieces and find out more about them as well as previous winners of the competition. Read more
Terms and Conditions for entrants to The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition. Please ensure you have thoroughly read them before submitting your entry. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions for the Competition. Before contacting us please read these. Read more
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. Read more
The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021 is now closed! Read more