Competition guide · Essay · Ages 11–18
Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition
A free international essay competition run by the Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR). Students answer one challenging prompt in up to 2,000 words, with prize-winners invited to an awards dinner in Cambridge.
- Free to enter
- Junior (11–13) and Senior (14–18) divisions
- Essays of up to 2,000 words
At a glance
- One essay, up to 2,000 words
- Junior and Senior divisions
- Free to enter
- Double-blind judging
About the championship
What students actually do
Each division has its own set of prompts. Recent Senior prompts covered topics such as populism, meritocracy, artificial intelligence and open borders, which suit students interested in economics, politics and society. Essays are anonymised and judged double-blind.
The organiser is CCIR, an independent organisation; it is not part of the University of Cambridge, although the awards dinner is held at King’s College and some judges are Cambridge academics.
Key facts
The competition at a glance
Dates below are from 2026. The 2027 dates are not yet published.
Sources: Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition. Checked 6 November 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.
Preparation with IFA
How we help students get ready
Live coaching built around what essay judges reward: a sharp question, real evidence and clear writing.
Choosing the question
Picking the prompt your child can answer with real insight, not the one that sounds most impressive.
Research and evidence
Finding credible sources, using data carefully and citing it properly.
A clear argument
A thesis, a structure that builds, and honest treatment of the other side.
Editing to the limit
Cutting to the word count without losing the argument, with feedback on each draft.
Not sure this is the right competition?
In a free 30-minute Readiness Assessment, a founder meets your child and you, and sends a written plan within 24 hours. If another competition, or none yet, is a better fit, we will say so.
Questions
What parents ask
Is this a University of Cambridge competition?
Is it a business competition?
When is the 2027 deadline?
Is IFA connected to the organisers?
International Finance Academy is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the University of Cambridge, any Cambridge college or the Cambridge Centre for International Research. Competition names are used only to describe the events we help students prepare for.