<p>The Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition 2026, run by the Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR), is a global essay contest for secondary-level students aged 11 to 18 who have not yet started undergraduate study. Entrants write one essay of up to 2,000 words on a single chosen prompt, judged on originality, argument quality, writing clarity, and research depth.</p><ul><li>Submission window: opens 15 January 2026, closes 10 May 2026.</li><li>Divisions: Junior (ages 11 to 13) and Senior (ages 14 to 18).</li><li>Entry is free; PDF submission via the CCIR portal with MLA 8 citations.</li><li>Per-division prizes include Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards with cash, CCIR scholarships, certificates, and podcast features.</li><li>Three global special prizes: Logos (Best Argument), Pathos (Best Writing), and Ethos (Best Research).</li><li>Honorable Mention for roughly the top 10 percent of entrants.</li><li>Results announced 26 May 2026; award ceremony and dinner held at King's College, Cambridge on 31 July 2026.</li></ul><p>Submit through the CCIR submission portal linked from the competition page, with an adult academic referee's email.</p>