About the Contest
The John Locke Essay Competition is run by the John Locke Institute, headquartered in Oxford, and is among the most prestigious writing competitions for secondary students in the humanities and social sciences, judged by academics from Oxford, Princeton and other leading universities.
The competition offers seven subject categories — philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology and law — plus a Junior division, each with several prompts on core disciplinary questions. Entrants submit an English argumentative essay of no more than 2,000 words, assessed on knowledge, argumentation and critical thinking.
Entries close at the end of June each year, and shortlisted candidates are invited to the award ceremony and academic dinner in Oxford. Participation has grown rapidly in recent years and winning has become increasingly competitive — the award is now one of the most recognisable academic distinctions for humanities and social-science applications.
Key Facts
- Run by an Oxford-based institute — a golden credential for humanities and social-science applications
- Seven categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology and law, plus a Junior division
- An English argumentative essay of up to 2,000 words, submitted by the end of June
- Shortlisted candidates invited to the award ceremony and academic dinner in Oxford
Participation Info
- Suitable Grades
- Grade 9-12, plus a Junior division
- Contest Time
- Submission deadline at the end of June
- Format
- An English argumentative essay of no more than 2,000 words
LighTon Coaching Programmes
John Locke Training Courses
Foundation Course
For students new to the contest
- Systematic coverage of the syllabus and key terminology
- Build a solid framework bridging schoolwork and contest level
- Small group or 1-on-1, online and in person
Intensive Course
For students with a foundation aiming at awards
- Past-paper drills with proven question patterns
- Topic training with biweekly tests to adjust priorities
- Progress reports keeping parents in the loop
Sprint Course
For students nearing the exam date
- Full mock exams with question-by-question review
- Targeted gap filling and score-maximising strategy
- Exam mindset and time-management coaching
Tutors
John Locke courses are taught by subject-specialist tutors with years of international curriculum and competition experience.
Meet LighTon's Select TutorsTrack Record
- Our students regularly win awards in major contests — results updated continuously
- Students consistently achieve top grades in the matching IB / AP / A-Level subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades is John Locke suitable for?
Grade 9-12, plus a Junior division
When is the John Locke held?
Submission deadline at the end of June
What is the format of the John Locke?
An English argumentative essay of no more than 2,000 words
What John Locke coaching does LighTon offer?
LighTon offers foundation, intensive and sprint courses for the John Locke, in 1-on-1 or small-group formats, online and in person. Contact us for a free preparation plan and a trial lesson.
Preparing for John Locke?
Book a free consultation for a personalised preparation plan and coaching schedule.