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Global English Mastery Challenge
Inspiring ambition. Celebrating ideas. Opening doors.
The Home & Away Essay Challenge is a global writing competition designed to spark curiosity and reward academic passion. Open to students aged 13–18, the Challenge invites entrants to submit a 500-word essay in response to one of our carefully developed questions, covering disciplines from humanities, social sciences, business, creative arts, and more.
Prefer to follow your own inspiration? Choose our Open Question and write on a theme that matters to you.
Why Enter the Home & Away Essay Challenge?
We believe that great ideas deserve recognition. Whether you are exploring university pathways, building your portfolio, or simply love learning, the Challenge offers meaningful opportunities to elevate your academic profile.
Fair, Rigorous & Supportive Evaluation
All essays are blind-marked by experienced academics to ensure a fair, unbiased assessment. Reviewers focus on originality, clarity of argument, critical thinking, and engagement with the question, not prior achievements or background.
Who Can Enter?
Students aged 12–18
You could be studying in any country or curriculum
Anyone interested in developing academic writing skills
Curious, creative thinkers who enjoy exploring new ideas
You do not need any prior essay-competition experience is required.
What We’re Looking For
We encourage students to think boldly, write clearly, and show genuine intellectual curiosity. Successful essays typically demonstrate:
Originality of thought
A clear, coherent argument
Evidence of research or well-informed reasoning
Independent thinking
Strong communication and writing style
Home & Away Scholar Award
Our highest honour, awarded to the most exceptional submissions. Home & Away Scholar may receive: - Full or partial scholarships to Home & Away academic programmes. - Priority programme selection
Academic Distinction
Awarded to writers who demonstrate excellent understanding, creativity, and analytical ability. Benefits may include: Certification Access to specialised online workshops and seminars
Honours List
We recognise strong and promising entries. and for those students they may receive: Official commendation Exclusive Home & Away platform access Learning credits or academic resources
Every Entrant Receives a Credential
All participants receive a certificate that documents their ambition and can support school portfolios, university applications, and future enrichment opportunities.
The Essay Questions
Students can select from the eight subject prompts below:
- How does language shape the way we think, feel, and relate to others?
- What role does storytelling play in helping us understand the world?
- How do digital platforms (social media, messaging apps, AI) influence the way English is written, spoken, and understood today?
- How does the use of English differ across cultures, and why does this matter?
- How does learning English as a second or additional language expand a young person’s opportunities and worldview?
- What makes a piece of writing powerful, memorable, or emotionally affecting?
- How does persuasive language influence public opinion?
- What responsibilities do writers and speakers have when using language that can shape others’ beliefs or identities?
Or choose the Open Question, designed for those who want freedom to explore their own central idea.
Submission Timeline
01 December 2025 - Competition Opens
30 January 2026 - Competition Closes
20 February 2026 - Results Announced
04 July - 15 August 2026: Programme dates
How To Enter
Select your question from our subject list, or choose the Open Question.
Write a 500-word essay that reflects your best ideas and analysis.
Submit your essay online before the published deadline.
Receive confirmation and updates as your work moves through the review process.
Start Your Journey
The Home & Away Essay Challenge exists to celebrate talent, inspire learning, and give every young thinker the chance to shine. Whether you earn top honours or simply discover a new academic passion, you’ll walk away with something valuable. Ready to begin? Explore the question list, prepare your essay, and join thousands of students who are ready to think differently.
FAQs
- Who can enter? The Competition is open to anyone aged 12-18 years old
- What support will I get? You will recieve a full guide on essay -writing and essay questions. With tips from expert writers.
- Why should I enter? You could win and get the opportunity to visit the UK on a full or partial scholarship.
- If I win, which centre can I study at? You can choose Cobham Hall or St Dunstan's. One of our admissions team will be happy to talk you through the process, so you choose what is best for you.