It is open to any school student over 16 studying philosophy, through a Philosophy or Religious Studies award (or similar), in any part of the UK: A Level, IB, Scottish Highers, etc.  Home schooled students are also able to apply, as are student who are studying Philosophy as part of an extra-curricula schoo or college society or club.

Simply write a statement beginning “Philosophy matters to me because….” and complete in no more than 70 more words, i.e. 75 words in total.

(1) All competition submissions must be from a school / college teacher, rather than a student themselves.  (This is simply because it is too difficult for us to organise otherwise.)

(2) One submission only per student.

(3) Competition submissions must be on a Word Document.

(4) Each competition submission should identify the student: name or a code known to the teacher.

(5) If a teacher is submitting multiple submissions, please put them together in one Word doc.

(6) Teachers should indicate whether students are happy for their name to be used for publicity purposes.  We aim to put all winning entrants and honourable mentions on the BPA and APT websites.  This is simply for publicity purposes for BPF2026. (If a student would prefer to remain anonymous, we will simply state the School/College.  This is no barrier to submission or to winning.)

(7) Teachers should indicate clearly on the Word Document which School / College they are applying from:

(8) To submit, please email:

(9) Deadline: all submissions must be received by 12noon on 2nd March 2026

(10) Prize:

There will be prizes, plus a number of honourable mentions.

First: £75

Second and Third: £50

The prize-giving will be online, on Wednesday 25^th March, 3.30pm.  We also hope to include some brief talks from philosophers and others, and hope to make it a nice occasion for the whole community.

The Panel will consist of ourselves plus other Philosophers and representatives from Exam Boards.  The Panel’s decision will be final.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Best wishes and good luck!

Simon Kirchin (British Philosophical Association)

Rob Penney (Association of Philosophy Teachers)