John Locke Essay Preparation
The John Locke Essay Competition draws 63,000+ entries from 150+ countries annually. Prepare with Oxford-trained mentors who helped 67% of our students get shortlisted in 2025—4x the global average.
67%
Shortlist Rate
12/18
2025 Shortlisted
<8
Students per Class
69,000+
Global Submissions
What is the John Locke Competition?
The John Locke Essay Competition is one of the world's most prestigious pre-university academic writing contests. Run by the John Locke Institute (an Oxford-based educational organization), it challenges students aged 18 and under to write rigorous 2,000-word essays on thought-provoking questions.
Essays are judged by senior academics from Oxford, Princeton, and other leading universities on knowledge, evidence, argumentation, originality, structure, and persuasive force.
Competition Overview
Why Do John Locke?
Elite University Admissions
Over half of John Locke alumni have been admitted to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Oxford, or Cambridge. Recognition demonstrates intellectual depth valued by top universities.
Develop Critical Skills
The Institute teaches "logical, analytical, and rational thought." Learn to construct rigorous arguments, engage with complex ideas, and write persuasively.
Meaningful Recognition
Beyond prizes, candidates can receive Very High Commendation (top 1%), High Commendation (top 3%), Commendation, or Merit awards—all valuable distinctions.
Our 2025 Results: 12 of 18 Shortlisted
Our first year of John Locke preparation
Including the first Emirati to receive Very High Commendation
Choose Your Program
Three tracks to match your goals
Academic Essay Basics
Build essential academic writing skills. Ideal for students new to rigorous essay writing.
- Academic writing fundamentals
- Research & citation mastery
- Thesis development
- Argument construction
- One graded essay with feedback
John Locke Basics
Our flagship program. Group instruction plus personalized mentorship for contest submission.
- All Foundation content
- Category-specific preparation
- 6 hours of 1-on-1 mentorship
- Multiple draft reviews
- Submission preparation
Additional 1-on-1: AED 400/hour
Ivy Scholar
Intensive personalized preparation for students aiming for top honors.
- 20 hours dedicated mentorship
- Personalized prompt selection
- Unlimited essay revisions
- Competition strategy
- Direct mentor access
2025 Essay Questions
Sample prompts from this year's competition
"Should we treat non-human animals well because they have rights, interests, neither, or both?"
"Should politicians ever be punished for lying?"
"What kinds of behaviour are engendered by the hope of profit?"
"Which figure in history did most to enlarge human freedom?"
"Is objectivity all in the mind?"
"Is atheism implausible?"
"Is Vladimir Putin a war criminal?"
"Why do people become more boring as they grow up and grow older?"
Each category has 3 questions to choose from. Students select one question and write up to 2,000 words.
2025 Key Deadlines
Mark your calendar for the John Locke Essay Competition
Common Questions
What categories can my child write in?
The John Locke competition offers seven main categories: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, and Law. There is also a Junior Prize for students aged 14 and under. Each category has 3 thought-provoking questions to choose from. Our program prepares students for any category—core skills apply across all disciplines.
What makes your results so strong?
Our 67% shortlist rate comes from our methodology: we teach rigorous thinking, not just essay writing. Essays are judged on knowledge, evidence, quality of argumentation, originality, structure, style, and persuasive force. Our instructors include Oxford-trained academics who understand what makes arguments compelling at the highest level.
Which track should I choose?
Academic Essay Basics is for students new to academic writing who want to build foundational skills. John Locke Basics (most popular) combines group instruction with 6 hours of 1-on-1 mentorship for a contest-ready submission. Ivy Scholar offers intensive 20 hours of dedicated 1-on-1 mentorship for students aiming for top honors.
When should I enroll?
For 2026, our classes start March 1st. The John Locke registration deadline is May 31st and submission deadline is June 30th. Starting in March gives students 4 months for instruction, drafting, multiple revisions, and final polish—critical for a competitive submission.
How competitive is the John Locke competition?
Very competitive. In 2025, there were over 63,000 entries from 150+ countries. Approximately 15-18% are shortlisted, only ~3% receive High Commendation or above, and just 24-25 students win prizes annually. However, even shortlisting or commendation is a significant achievement valued by top universities.
How does John Locke help with university applications?
Recognition in the John Locke competition is explicitly valued by Oxbridge and Ivy League admissions. Over half of John Locke alumni have been admitted to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, and other elite universities. The competition demonstrates independent thought, research ability, and intellectual depth.
Detailed Curriculum
Week-by-week breakdown of each program
Ready to Begin?
Classes start March 2026. Secure your spot for the 2026 John Locke competition.