<p>The Queen's Commonwealth Writing Competition (QCWC) is the world's oldest international writing competition for schools, delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883. The 2026 edition's theme is "Common Ground: Better Together", inviting young writers to explore what unites individuals and communities across the Commonwealth and how collaboration drives progress. Entrants submit a piece of up to 1,000 words responding to one of the published QCWC 2026 questions.</p><ul><li>Open to Commonwealth nationals or residents aged 18 or under on 30 April 2026</li><li>Deadline: 30 April 2026, submitted via the official QCWC 2026 entry form</li><li>Free to enter; a single age category this year (the former junior and senior split has been merged)</li><li>All successful entrants receive a certificate</li><li>Five regional winners, including one overall winner, are invited to London for a week of cultural and literary activities culminating in an award ceremony at a Royal Palace hosted by Her Majesty The Queen</li></ul><p>Students respond to one of the 2026 prompts and submit the piece through the Royal Commonwealth Society's online entry portal.</p>