Judged by academics from leading universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton and Stanford.
John Locke Institute event · organiser image
What is John Locke?
John Locke Essay Competition
The John Locke Institute invites students worldwide to answer demanding academic questions. Its 2026 Global Essay Prize spans ten subject categories, with separate junior and senior judging.
A good answer is only the beginning. Explain your reasoning, test it against the strongest objection and show what you think for yourself.
Choose a stage to explore its lessons, or view the entire course. The syllabus shows the full teacher-led pathway; supported self-paced includes three one-to-one reviews at the outline, first draft and final draft.
All 20 lessons · four stages of five weeks
John Locke Essay Competition: 20 lessons and student deliverables
Lesson
What you learn
Student deliverable · what you complete
STAGE 1Foundations5 lessons · Practice essay & portfolio
01
Competition Orientation & DiagnosisAssess writing, select a subject pathway and check eligibility, registration and referee needs.
✓
300-word diagnostic and individual preparation plan
02
Reading the Question PreciselyDefine contested terms, identify the burden of proof and separate factual from value claims.
✓
Two question analyses and a definitions sheet
03
Logic, Assumptions & InferenceTest premises and conclusions; identify hidden assumptions, weak analogies and invalid inferences.
✓
Argument map and two repaired analytical paragraphs
04
Learning from Strong EssaysStudy published entries for direct answers, intellectual independence and effective objections.
✓
Two model-essay analyses and a quality checklist
05
Practice Essay & Foundation ReviewWrite a short response to a past question and evaluate clarity, evidence and reasoning.
✓
600-word practice essay and Stage 1 progress report
STAGE 2Research design5 lessons · Research proposal & outline
06
Official Question SelectionCompare current questions for interest, scope and research access; use past prompts until release.
✓
Question comparison and provisional or confirmed selection
07
Reading for Competing PositionsUse scholarly sources to compare the most credible answers rather than collect supporting quotes.
✓
Annotated reading dossier and positions matrix
08
Developing an Independent ThesisState a qualified answer and distinguish its reasoning from familiar responses.
✓
Working thesis and claim-evidence map
09
The Strongest ObjectionPresent an opposing view fairly; test counterexamples, assumptions and boundary cases.
✓
Objection-response matrix and revised thesis
10
Research Proposal & OutlineDefend the chosen question, research base and structure; allocate the word budget.
Zoom session dates, times and time zone will be confirmed with your group. Independent study: 5–7 hours a week; 7–9 during full-draft revision.
Planning your entryEligibility, dates and the final submission +
Who & what
The 2026 baseline is a maximum of 2,000 counted words per essay, excluding specified supporting material. Submit an anonymous PDF with the required filename and provide an academic referee. Junior entrants are under 15 on 31 May.
Students develop and write their own answers. Keep a research and assistance record and be ready to explain the argument aloud.
Your next competition cycle
2026 registration and submission have closed. 2027 questions and dates are not yet confirmed. Begin foundations now; move to the new questions after their official release.
Information checked 5 October 2026. Use the new cycle’s confirmed rules for your final entry.
Before you begin
Your questions, answered.
What does supported self-paced include?
20 lessons, guided reading, human checks of lesson tasks and reading summaries, and three one-to-one teacher feedback sessions at the outline, first draft and final draft. A$798.
How does the live Zoom course work?
Four students, 20 weekly sessions of 90 minutes, teacher guidance throughout, three written full-work reviews and four stage progress reports. A$1,998. Starts from November 2026; exact group dates and times are confirmed before payment.
What will I complete?
An independent competition essay, research dossier, reading portfolio and submission checklist.
How much independent study is expected?
5–7 hours a week; 7–9 during full-draft revision.
Which competition cycle will I enter?
2026 registration and submission have closed. 2027 questions and dates are not yet confirmed. Begin foundations now; move to the new questions after their official release.
How is original student work protected?
Students develop and write their own answers. Keep a research and assistance record and be ready to explain the argument aloud.
What happens after I request enrolment?
We discuss readiness and confirm the teaching arrangements before payment. Course fees cover ACE teaching and support. Any organiser charges are separate. Awards and university admission decisions remain with the relevant institutions.
A bigger goal starts here
Take your ambition seriously.
Choose your course. Bring your curiosity. Start building work you can be proud of.
Request enrolment now. We’ll confirm arrangements before payment.
ACE Achievers is an independent education provider. Students complete their own research and writing. Organiser names and imagery identify the competition. ACE Achievers is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organiser.
