Entry guide · International

John Locke Global Essay Prize

Investigate a demanding question, build an original argument and learn to defend it with evidence.

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Competition & entry information

Writing: Essays & Real Stories
Location: International
Preparation level: Advanced
Opportunity: Competition

Who can enter?

Pre-university students worldwide; check the current age and junior-category reference dates.

What do you write?

Current main limit: 2,000 words; answer a published question.

How to enter

Register within the registration window, select a question, follow citation rules and submit through the official portal.

Dates and planning notes

2027: 2027 dates to be announced
Awaiting announcement
Planning placement only. The next edition, entry window and rules must be confirmed by the organiser.

2027 questions, registration and submission dates are not announced. Registration and essay submission are separate steps.

Official sources

Official website / entry information ↗

Checked 4 October 2026. Preparation levels are editorial guidance, not a prediction of winning. Recheck the live rules, fees and eligibility before entering.

Turn your target into stronger writing

Prepare with purpose.

Academic Essays · History · Literature

International Writing
Competition Coaching

For students pursuing demanding academic or literary goals, including those considering university overseas.

Preparation focusResearch, argument and originality

Working towardsA carefully chosen international target

Choose a target that matches the student’s interests and readiness.
Read closely, evaluate sources and develop independent ideas.
Build a sustained argument or a distinctive literary voice.
Prepare original work within the organiser’s authorship rules.

What students build: A substantial piece of academic or literary work that reflects the student’s own interests, thinking and effort.

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Your preparation focus

Turn a difficult question into a defensible argument.

Unpack the question and define key terms.
Compare competing explanations and objections.
Use evidence to support an independent judgement.

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Students complete their own work. Coaching respects the organiser’s rules on feedback, editing and AI; where entry editing is restricted, teaching uses separate practice tasks.