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Apprenticeships
Oxford and Cambridge

  • The Sidgwick Prize Essay Competition

    Students can submit an essay to receive detailed feedback from academic specialists, alongside the chance to win! They can respond to one question from any of eight disciplines: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Law, Theology, Psychology, and Art History.

    Deadline: 30 June 2027

    Open to: any student aged 13-18

    Find out more and view the questions


    Future Voices Poetry Competition

    Explore your own opinions and experiences without the constraints of a set topic for the Future Voices Poetry competition. There are many opportunities to be published.

    Deadline: 31 December

    Open to: 12–18-year-olds https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions/12-18/future-voices-2026

     

    Find out more and enter here

    Creative Futures Competition
    Creative students aged 16-19 are invited to imagine “My World in 2050” through one of three categories: Future Places, Digital & Emerging Technologies, or Identity, Culture & Inclusive Communities.
    Students can win portfolio reviews, mentoring, work experience, networking opportunities, and exhibition exposure.

    Enter at: port.ac.uk/creative-futures-comp. Closing date: 26 February 2027


    Insight2Uni Mentoring Scheme – for black heritage students interested in STEM and Business

    Applications are now open for the Insight2Uni Mentoring Programme, a free opportunity for Black-heritage students interested in studying Business, Economics, Engineering, Maths, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science or Geography at university.

    Starting in March, students will be matched with a Black-heritage mentor currently studying at the University of Leeds. Over nine months, mentors provide personalised support to help students explore their higher education options, make informed decisions about their future, and navigate the university application process.

    The programme includes:

    • Monthly online mentoring sessions with a current University of Leeds student
    • Guidance on choosing courses and universities
    • Support with UCAS applications and personal statements
    • Insights into university life as a Black-heritage student
    • A visit to the University of Leeds campus

    https://accessandoutreach.leeds.ac.uk/social-sciences/insight2uni/

    Students will develop their confidence, build their knowledge of higher education, and be better prepared for the transition to university.

    Please encourage eligible students to apply. Applications close on 31 December.


    Future Thought Leaders essay competition


    Please see the for details of an exciting essay competition focusing on the major global challenges of the next 50 years. Topics range from geoengineering to AI extinction.

    First prize is a £1,000 scholarship for the prestigious FTL leadership programme and £100 in cash. There are commendations and distinctions in addition to the top prizes. 

    If you are applying for STEM degrees, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore the social and ethical implications of emerging technologies. If you are planning to read a humanities or social science subject, this is a great way to show you understand the relevance of your field to contemporary global debates.

    Deadline 15 February 2027

    Imperial College London

    The Faculty of Natural Sciences presents the Science & Innovation Competition, open to teams of young people of primary and secondary school age based in the UK.

    Entries are welcome from schools, community and youth groups.

    Teams will be asked to create a five minute film on developing a new and innovative scientific solution to help achieve one of the

    United Nation’s Global Goals for Sustainable Development.


    There are four age categories for teams to enter 4-11, 11-14, 14-16 & 16-19.

    Find out more and how to enter on the competition webpage.

    Initial entries will be judged by the competition team at Imperial and finalists will be selected and invited to participate in the finals event at Imperial.

    For any queries please email fonsschoolscompetition@imperial.ac.uk.

    Royal Geographical Society’s School Essay Competition

    The RGA invites geography students aged 16-18 to consider the climatic factors driving mitigation and shifting patterns for a 1000-word essay or StoryMap.

    Deadline: 9 November

    https://www.rgs.org/schools/competitions/school-essay-competition

Apprenticeships
Oxford and Cambridge