John Locke Essay Preparation
The John Locke Essay Competition draws 63,000+ entries from 150+ countries annually. Prepare with Oxford-trained mentors who helped 93% of our students get shortlisted in 2026 (38 of 41)—over 5x the global average.
93%
Shortlist Rate
38/41
2026 Shortlisted
<8
Students per Class
63,000+
Global Entries (2025)
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 2026 Results: 38 of 41 Shortlisted
Up from 12 of 18 shortlisted in our first year (2025)
Our 2025 cohort included 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
Past Essay Questions
Sample prompts from the 2025 competition — the 2027 questions are announced in late January
"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.
Competition Timeline (2026 Cycle)
The 2027 dates follow a similar pattern and are announced with the questions in late January
Common Questions
What categories can my child write in?
The John Locke competition offers ten subject categories: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, Law, International Relations, Public Policy, and Science & Technology. There is also a Junior category 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 93% shortlist rate in 2026 (38 of 41 students) 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 the 2027 cycle, we offer two cohorts: January 2027 (recommended—full 5-month preparation) and March 2027 (intensive 3-month track). The 2027 questions are announced in late January, and the submission deadline is expected at the end of May, following the pattern of recent years. Starting earlier allows more time for research, 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 only a few dozen category prizes are awarded each year. 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.
Planning your own essay? Print the free John Locke essay planner — question deconstruction, a layered argument map, and a self-audit against the judging criteria.
Detailed Curriculum
Week-by-week breakdown of each program
Ready to Begin?
Two start dates available: January and March 2027. Secure your spot for the 2027 John Locke competition.