Application Deadline: May 23, 2025.

The esteemed Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is now accepting submissions for 2025, centered around the theme ‘Our Commonwealth Journey’. This theme invites young writers to reflect on various journeys—be they geographical, historical, or personal—within the Commonwealth’s diverse tapestry.

• Eligibility: Open to young writers from Commonwealth countries.
• Deadline: Submit entries by May 23, 2025.

• Senior Category (Ages 14-18; Born between 23 May 2006 and 23 May 2011):
  1. Envision a Commonwealth where everyone has equal access to education, as championed in the Commonwealth Charter.
  2. Reimagine a renowned folklore from your or another Commonwealth nation in an unexpected manner.
  3. Reflect on a book that transported you on a journey and its impact on you.
  4. Narrate the life journey of a plant thriving in your community’s heart; what experiences does it encounter?

• Junior Category (Under 14 years; Born on or after 23 May 2011):
  1. Describe an instance when you discovered something intriguing about a different Commonwealth country.
  2. Detail a sea voyage from one Commonwealth nation to a small island member; what sights and individuals do you encounter?
  3. Imagine finding a secret door leading into your favorite book; what unfolds next?
  4. Visualize an animal version of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM); which animals attend, and what topics do they discuss?

• Recognition: Winners and runners-up will be invited to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony at a Royal Palace.
• Development: Enhance critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
• Networking: Connect with young writers and influential leaders across the Commonwealth.

• Word Limits:
  • Senior Category: up to 1,500 words;
  • Junior Category: up to 750 words.
• Language: Entries must be written in English.
• Originality: Submissions must be original, unpublished work.

For comprehensive guidelines and to submit your entry, visit the official QCEC 2025 page.