Entry guide · Australia

The Simpson Prize

A national history research competition about Australian experiences of the First or Second World War.

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Competition & entry information

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

Who can enter?

Australian students in Years 9 and 10; schools may submit up to three entries.

What do you write?

Historical research response; use at least four supplied sources and follow the entry requirements.

How to enter

Work with your school, use the Australian War Memorial source selection and follow the student submission process.

Dates and planning notes

2026: 4 Nov 2026 · 2027 prize
Confirmed date
The 2027 question concerns artefacts and artworks as historical evidence. The following edition is unannounced.
2027: 2027 dates to be announced
Awaiting announcement
Planning placement only. The next edition, entry window and rules must be confirmed by the organiser.

The 2027 prize is entered in 2026. Its award-year label is not its submission year.

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.

Creative Writing · Poetry · Real Stories

Australian Writing
Competition Coaching

For secondary students building their voice and craft through Australian national and local writing competitions.

Preparation focusVoice, structure and expression

Working towardsA suitable target each term

Understand the brief and choose a suitable competition.
Develop stories, poems and personal writing through regular practice.
Learn to revise with purpose and make stronger writing choices.
Build a body of original work over successive competition goals.

What students build: A stronger writing process, purposeful drafts and an original piece prepared for a suitable submission.

Discuss the Australian course →

What preparation can develop

Beyond the final submission.

A clearer sense of voice, audience and purpose.
More deliberate choices in structure and language.
The ability to use feedback and revise independently.
A growing portfolio and a next writing goal.

How our coaching works →

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.