An annual essay prize for all students in years 12 & 13 looking to prepare for university. 

An excellent way for 6th-form students to demonstrate that they have the makings of a scholar, the Libra Essay Prize offers a chance to prepare for the academic rigour required by university assignments and provides a great accomplishment to discuss on a personal statement or at an interview. With 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. 

CONTROL - COLLABORATION - EXCHANGE - FREEDOM - CLAIM

Students are free to choose any subject from the list below for their essays, which should feature a title containing the chosen word. We recommend students use imagination to build interesting links between their chosen essay title and their school learning. This is an opportunity to hone their essay-writing ability and showcase their knowledge, research and writing. Submitted essays will be vetted for plagiarism and judged by a range of academic specialists.

Categories

English - Science - History - Philosophy - Economics - Politics - Arts - Maths - Law

How to take part

1. Pick one essay word and one category from the options above.

2. Write an essay of between 1,500 - 2,000 words (with Harvard style referencing, not included in word count).

3. Save your essay as “Title, Name, Year Group, School, Category” before submitting it to LibraEssayPrize2023@libraeducation.co.uk

We accept entries from all over the world, but they must be written in English. If you have any questions please get in touch with us today by email and the team will be in contact in response to your query.

The deadline for submission is 23.00 on 16th April 2023 and winners will be announced at the end of May 2023. Stay up-to-date with events, judging criteria, detailed guidelines, and upcoming seminars by following our social media channels or subscribing to our newsletter.

Prizes available

There will be a 1st (£50), 2nd (£30) and 3rd (£20) overall prize paid out in book vouchers, as well as Commended and Highly Commended entries for each category.

To see the Libra Education 2022 Essay Prize winners, please click here.