The John Locke Institute Essay Competition is a prestigious global contest that invites students to engage deeply with thought-provoking questions across various disciplines. Recognized for its rigorous standards and esteemed panel of judges from leading universities like Oxford and Princeton, the competition offers a platform for young thinkers to showcase their analytical and writing skills.​

Key Dates for 2025

• Registration Opens: April 1, 2025
• Registration Deadline: May 31, 2025
• Essay Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025, 11:59 PM BST
• Late Entry Deadline: July 7, 2025 (with applicable fees)
• Shortlist Notification: July 31, 2025
• Academic Conference: October 3–5, 2025
• Awards Dinner: October 4, 2025

Note: Late entries may incur additional fees. It's advisable to adhere to the standard deadlines to avoid extra charges.​

Competition Overview

Eligibility:

• Main Categories: Open to students aged 18 or younger as of June 30, 2025.
• Junior Prize: For students aged 14 or younger on the same date.​

Essay Requirements:

• Word Limit: Maximum of 2,000 words (excluding diagrams, tables, endnotes, bibliography, or authorship declaration).
• Format: Essays must address one of the specified questions in the chosen subject category.
• Citations: In-text citations or endnotes are permitted; footnotes are not allowed.
• Anonymity: Do not include your name in the essay document.
• File Naming Convention: FirstName-LastName-Category-QuestionNumber.pdf​

Subject Categories:

1. Philosophy
2. Politics
3. Economics
4. History
5. Psychology
6. Theology
7. Law
8. Junior Prize (for under 15s)​

Prizes:

• Category Winners: $2,000 scholarship towards John Locke Institute programs.
• Grand Prize Winner: $10,000 scholarship applicable to the Institute's summer schools or gap year courses.​

All entries are judged by a panel of senior academics from leading universities.​

Preparation Tips

Recommended Reading:

• ​The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
• ​Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• ​An Introduction to Political Philosophy by Jonathan Wolff
• ​The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
• ​A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson​

Online Resources:

• Khan Academy: Offers courses in economics, history, and philosophy.
• Coursera: Provides university-level courses on various subjects.
• Stanford Online: Features lectures and materials from Stanford courses.​

Writing Strategies:

1. Understand the Prompt: Analyze the question thoroughly to ensure your essay addresses all aspects.
2. Develop a Clear Thesis: Present a concise argument that guides your essay.
3. Structure Your Essay: Organize your thoughts logically, with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.
4. Use Evidence Effectively: Support your arguments with relevant data, examples, and citations.
5. Revise and Edit: Proofread your essay multiple times to eliminate errors and improve clarity.​

Seeking Feedback:

Engage teachers, mentors, or peers to review your essay. Constructive criticism can provide new perspectives and enhance the quality of your writing.​

How to Apply

1. Registration: Visit the official John Locke Institute website to register by May 31, 2025.
2. Essay Submission: Submit your essay by June 30, 2025, following the specified guidelines.
3. Await Results: Shortlisted candidates will be notified by July 31, 2025.​

Ensure all submissions adhere strictly to the competition's formatting and submission guidelines to avoid disqualification.