John Locke Essay Prize

Three of our Sixth Formers have been commended in a global essay writing competition.

Run by the John Locke Institute, this year’s contest attracted entries from 19,000 candidates from across the world. The top essays, in each of seven subject categories, were selected by a panel of senior academics drawn from leading universities including Oxford and Princeton. Two of our Upper Sixth Philosophy & Religion A Level students were shortlisted for their Theology essays. Isobel, who is also studying Economics, English, Maths and Further Maths, responded to the question: ‘In what sense are you the same person today that you were when you were ten?’ Lily, who is also studying Biology, Chemistry and English, addressed the question: ‘What distinguishes a small religion from a large cult?’ Mira, who is studying Chemistry, English, Maths and Politics, was shortlisted in the Law category; she responded to the question: ‘Suppose that you were contemplating, in violation of the rules of this competition, submitting an essay written for you by artificial intelligence. What would be the difference between such an act and ordinary attempted theft?’

Along with other commended essayists, they were invited to attend an awards ceremony at the University of Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre followed by a gala reception at the Ashmolean Museum.  Congratulations to Isobel, Lily and Mira on their outstanding essays.