About the Contest
The Marshall Society Essay Competition is organised by the Marshall Society at the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1927 and named after Alfred Marshall — the renowned economist and author of Principles of Economics — the society is Cambridge's most prestigious student economics organisation.
The competition invites English economics essays from secondary students worldwide, releasing several prompts each year around current macroeconomic debates and classic economic theory, with an emphasis on rigorous argument and original thought. Entrants submit an English essay of no more than 1,000 words, and winning essays are published in the society's official academic journal.
A Marshall award is a heavyweight piece of academic writing evidence for undergraduate applications in economics, PPE and related fields. Judged by scholars with Cambridge economics backgrounds, its past winners include many students who went on to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE and other leading universities.
Key Facts
- Run by Cambridge's Marshall Society (founded 1927) — the gold standard of economics essay competitions
- Prompts on the year's hot economic issues, rewarding rigorous, original argumentation
- An English essay of no more than 1,000 words
- Winning essays published in the society's official academic journal
Participation Info
- Suitable Grades
- Grade 10-12
- Contest Time
- Essays submitted June-August
- Format
- An English economics essay of no more than 1,000 words
LighTon Coaching Programmes
Marshall 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
Marshall 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 Marshall suitable for?
Grade 10-12
When is the Marshall held?
Essays submitted June-August
What is the format of the Marshall?
An English economics essay of no more than 1,000 words
What Marshall coaching does LighTon offer?
LighTon offers foundation, intensive and sprint courses for the Marshall, 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 Marshall?
Book a free consultation for a personalised preparation plan and coaching schedule.