During this uncertain time, we would like to ensure that every A level student has a relevant and engaging project to participate in. Our annual essay prize is a great way for students to build their competence and experience leading up to a successful university application.

The Libra Essay Prize offers students a chance to prepare for the academic rigour required by university assignments and demonstrate that they have the makings of a true scholar. Taking inspiration from the admissions process at All Souls College, Oxford – known as ‘The hardest exam in the world’ – students are required to write an essay responding to one of the single-word essay titles below.

Nature          Change         Language          Thought          Time          Culture

Any student in years 12 & 13 of UK education or the local equivalent in their country can enter by taking the following steps:

1.   Pick one essay title from the options above. 

2.  Write an essay of between 1,000 – 2,000 words (with Harvard style referencing, not included in word count).

3.  Save the essay as “Title, Name, Year Group, School” before submitting to info@libraeducation.co.uk.

Prizes available:

1st place – £150 2nd place – £75 3rd place – £50

The deadline for submission is 12.00 PM GMT on the 25th of June 2021 and winners will be announced on the 9th of July 2021. All winning essays will be published on our website. For further questions, please contact admin@libraeducation.co.uk.

Students are free to choose any subject or combination of subjects for their essay. We recommend students use their imagination to build interesting links between their chosen essay title and their school learning. A student could write an essay on the title ‘Nature’ using what they have learned in Biology and Philosophy, or ‘Time’ using their knowledge in Physics or Mathematics. Submitted essays will be vetted for plagiarism and judged by a range of academic specialists.

To read the winning entries from last year, please see here. Below are student testimonials from last year’s winners on how it helped hone their essay writing skills and bolster their university applications.

“I ended up entering the libra essay prize because I had finished school early in March and had nothing to do during the days. I knew that I didn’t want to forget the essay writing and critical thinking skills that I had learnt taking my English A level so I decided to enter the competition. I wasn’t very concerned with winning, I just wanted to write something that I would be happy with.” - Caitlin

“The competition pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to complete valuable research on topics I have an interest in - as well as give me a discussion point for my UCAS application! I would definitely recommend the competition for any Year 12 students looking to not only demonstrate but improve their essay writing skills.” - Jennifer

“I chose to take part in the Libra Essay Prize as it provided an excellent opportunity for me to engage with a topic of academic interest going far beyond the school curriculum. The skills I have developed by taking part in this essay competition will likely be very beneficial when it comes to studying at university, whilst the academic matters I have explored have given me an additional topic to discuss in my personal statement for my applications.” - Bilal

All students in years 12 & 13 can now acquire a powerful accomplishment to discuss on a personal statement or at interview. This is an excellent chance to develop and showcase hard work and scholarly aptitude when applying to universities.

Here is our Libra Essay Prize which contains all the information required to make a submission. Here is also the terms and conditions for entries as well. We welcome submissions from any students who may be interested in putting their skills to the test. Stay up to date with all the latest information and essay-writing tips by following our newsletter which you can access through our resources sign-up page.

We look forward to reading our students’ work!