John Locke competition results
A record of recent prize-winners, as announced by the John Locke Institute. Use it to see the standard and the schools that produce shortlisted writers — then read the winning essays themselves.
Selected 2025 winners
2021 prize winners
The grand-prize and subject winners from the 2021 season — first place shown; second, third and highly-commended places were also awarded.
From shortlist to awards
Shortlist · July
Shortlisted candidates are notified by email in early July and invited to the next stage. Check your account and inbox regularly.
Distinctions
Many strong entrants receive Distinction or High Distinction recognition even outside the top prizes.
Awards · October
Prize-winners are celebrated at the academic conference and awards dinner in Oxford in October.
What the awards mean
Grand Prize
The single strongest essay across all senior subjects in the year.
Subject prizes
First, second and third in each discipline, plus the separate Junior prize.
High Distinction
Awarded to a small share of entrants whose essays stand out below the top prizes.
Distinction & Commendation
Further tiers recognising strong work — meaningful credentials in a global field.
With tens of thousands of entries from over one hundred countries, any recognised result places a student among a highly selective international group.