The Julia Wood History Essay Prize is a free annual history essay competition run by St Hugh's College, University of Oxford, open to Sixth Form students (Years 12-13) at any school or college worldwide. Students write an original historical essay of 2,000-4,000 words on a topic of their own choosing. The competition values original, enterprising topics and independent historical thinking; standard homework essays are unlikely to succeed. Up to £600 in prize money is awarded, often split between multiple candidates, with commendations given to further strong entries. In 2025, 707 essays were submitted. Winners are contacted in September, with prize-winners and commendees invited to tea at St Hugh's College.
St Hugh's College, Oxford
Julia Wood History Essay Prize
OpenHumanitiesEssay Contest
About the Program
Eligibility
Open to students in Year 12 or Year 13 (Sixth Form) at any school or college worldwide. No citizenship restrictions. Essays must be original work on a historical topic of the student's choosing, 2,000-4,000 words. Ordinary class essays are unlikely to succeed; original and enterprising topics are valued.
Eligible Countries
All countries
How to Apply
Submit essay as a PDF via the online portal at st-hughs.ox.ac.uk by the July deadline. No entry fee required.