The PSA American Politics Group (APG) is pleased to launch a new essay competition for A-level students.
This new essay competition is part of a broader project designed at fostering engagement between the PSA American Politics Group, the Schools Programme of the Financial Times, and A-Level students, tutors and schools. This project is supported by the PSA’s Excellence and Impact Fund
If you are interested in applying for this competition there is a FREE online event for applicants taking place on 25 February 2026.
Key facts:
What: Essay competition for 16-19 years olds studying US politics as part of a Politics A Level.
Deadline: 16 March 2026
Length: 1,500 words (+/- 10%)
Submission: Students to submit via their tutor, with essays emailed to Lead Organiser Dr. Pete Finn: [email protected] (submission cover sheet included in full details)
Page with advice: here
Materials for getting started: here
Prize categories:
The five following prizes will be awarded:
- Best overall essay
- Best argument
- Most original essay
- Best use of data
- Best discussion of a social problem
Eligibility: An essay competition aimed at 16-19 year olds studying American politics during their A Levels (or similar qualifications, i.e., A Level politics but without taking the American paper, Scottish Highers, and International Baccalaureate)
Prizes for each category:
- Best overall essay:
- £100 book voucher, paid return travel to 2026 APG Colloquium, copy of ‘Brilliant Essays‘ by Ursula Hackett, and potential to develop into a Financial Times blog post* +
- All other categories:
- £50 book voucher
- All categories:
- Copy of ‘Developments in American Politics 10’ textbook
- Announced in American Politics Group and Political Studies Association newsletters and the Financial Times ‘Schools Digest’
- Essay posted on American Politics Group and Political Studies Association sites
*Given the news-driven nature of Financial Times content and the difference between the requirements needed for an essay and such content, it may not be possible in all instances for the winner of the ‘Best overall essay’ category to be developed into a Financial Times blog post. If it is felt it is possible to develop the winning essay into a blog post, the initial editing process will be overseen by Lead Organiser Peter Finn (via engagement with the relevant A-Level tutor rather than directly with the winning student) before a draft is sent to the Financial Times team.
+Paid return travel here refers to up to £200 to pay for travel within the UK for one student and another responsible adult (i.e., £100 pounds per person up to a maximum of £200 for two people)
You can find full details and further information online.
