<p>A long-running history essay prize offered annually by St Hugh's College, Oxford, open to Sixth Form students worldwide. Entrants write an independent essay on any historical topic of their choice; many past winners have gone on to read History at Oxford.</p><ul><li>Open to any Year 12 or Year 13 student at any school or college; essays must be in English</li><li>Essay of 2,000–4,000 words (including footnotes), referencing style of the entrant's choice, submitted as a PDF</li><li>Deadline: 2pm BST on Wednesday 22 July 2026; entries received after this point are not considered</li><li>Prize fund worth up to £600, often split between two or more winners; further entrants are commended</li><li>Prize-winners and commendees are invited to tea at St Hugh's College in September</li><li>The 2025 edition attracted 707 entries — judges explicitly favour original, enterprising topics over standard classwork essays</li></ul><p>Entry is a two-step process: complete the registration form on the St Hugh's page, then upload your essay via the submission portal link emailed to you, both within 24 hours.</p>