QCWC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can enter?

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.

Tips from the Judges

The following guidelines provide some useful insights from previous judges who have had experience recognising what makes a good piece of writing, and may help you get started on your submission:

Choose to answer one of the topics, and you are encouraged to interpret this in any way you wish.
Think carefully about the form of writing you use to answer the topic. There are a variety of forms and styles to play with.
Make sure to use your own voice and your own words. Judges are very good at spotting work that is not original.
We understand that English is a diverse language and there are different and innovative ways of using it around the Commonwealth. We encourage diversity and creativity of language in submissions.
Ensure you take into account grammar and punctuation whilst writing your piece. Do not submit an entry without proof-reading.
Presentation is important: think about the visual appearance of the entry as well as the quality of the content.

Guidance Notes

Participants are expected to show originality and flair, linked to sound academic standards and competent use of English as a written language. This includes a good standard of spelling and punctuation, neat presentation and clear hand-writing or word-processing.
Entries must respond to the topic. Each year a number of good entrants must be disregarded because they do not fully answer/reflect on what the topic has asked them to do.
Entrants are encouraged to be creative in their response to a topic. Entries can be submitted in a number of different formats: for example, a poem, letter, article, story, essay or a short play/script.
Illustrations are welcomed but they must enhance the written text and add to the overall quality of the entry.
Please do not submit an AI generated piece. Our judges monitor for AI use and will also mark an entry down if they do not feel the submission is sufficiently original or creative.

2026 Opening

The QCWC 2026 will open on the 4th of March 2026. All details for entry and writing prompts will become available on that date.

Winning Categories

Awards Categories (Under 18s)

Overall Winner drawn from Regional Winners
Regional Winners x 5
Gold Awards
Silver Awards
Bronze Awards
Certificate of Participation

What if I'm too old to participate?

If you're over 18 by the deadline, you'll still be eligible to compete for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize.

Are there prizes for the winners?

One Winner and Regional Winners will be chosen. Winners and Regional Winners (accompanied by one adult/guardian) will be brought to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony. A number of Gold Finalist, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be given, rewarding excellence in writing. All successful entries will receive a Certificate of Participation. Local RCS branches often hold local and regional ceremonies or offer prizes so if you were made aware of the competition by your local RCS branch, please contact them after the competition closes to inquire about any activities they might have planned.

Is there a word limit?

Yes, word count rules apply. The maximum word count is 1,000 words (References and foot notes are not included in the word count). Exceeding the word count will result in automatic disqualification.

However, please note the word limit guidelines highlight the maximum number of words it is possible to use in your entry and entrants should not feel any need to use up all available words. There is no minimum word count, and our judges mark based on the quality of the writing, so longer entries will not automatically score higher than shorter entries.

Please see our Terms and Conditions Page for more details

Can I write on more than one topic?

No, students may only submit one written piece each, which means that you have to choose one of the four topics in your relevant category.

How do I know if my entry was successfully submitted?

At the end of the online submission process, you will receive a notice that your entry has been successfully submitted. This notice will contain a unique identification number, which will also be emailed to your nominated email address. If you are encountering difficulties, please email competitions@royalcwsociety.org for assistance.

How do I download my certificate?

Certificates are no longer able to be downloaded by entrants. Entrants to the QCWC 2025 will have their certificates sent to their nominated email address at the end of the judging process in the later part of 2025.