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    Competition

    Julia Wood History Essay Competition

    by St Hugh's College, University of Oxford

    The Julia Wood History Essay Competition is a St Hugh's College Sixth Form essay competition for students submitting an independently chosen history essay.

    Last verified: 28 May 2026Reviewed by:Succeed Editorial
    Julia Wood History Essay Competition

    Key facts

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Ages 16–18

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16–18

    Location / Region

    Online

    Cost

    Free

    Prize highlight

    Not listed

    Entry format

    Online

    Next deadline

    22 Jul 2026 · Upcoming cycle

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    History

    Language: en

    Recognition: Since the competition was established in 1994, 81 school students have been given prizes, and many went on to study History at Oxford and St Hugh's.

    Skills: Academic Writing

    TL;DR

    Run by St Hugh's College, University of Oxford, the Julia Wood History Essay Competition is an online essay competition for students studying at Sixth Form level or equivalent, including eligible gap year students who have not undertaken additional formal education beyond Sixth Form. Entrants submit a 2000-4000 word history essay on a topic of their choice, with clear academic references and a bibliography. The competition awards winner and runner-up recognition, and St Hugh's notes that since the competition was established in 1994, 81 school students have received prizes, with many going on to study History at Oxford and St Hugh's. Applications are submitted through the official Julia Wood essay upload form, with the 2026 round closing at 2pm BST on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

    What is Julia Wood History Essay Competition?

    Run by St Hugh's College, University of Oxford, the Julia Wood History Essay Competition is for students at Sixth Form level, including eligible gap year students who have not begun further formal study. The 2026 round closes at 2pm BST on Wednesday 22 July 2026. Essays should be 2000-4000 words, use clear academic referencing, and may be on a topic chosen by the entrant.

    Who should consider this?

    Best for

    Students studying at Sixth Form level or equivalent are eligible. Gap year students are eligible if they have not undertaken additional formal education beyond Sixth Form level. Students who are not yet studying at Sixth Form level are not eligible. Students who have already begun university level study are not eligible.

    Key dates and deadlines

    Application Deadline

    22 Jul 2026 · Europe/London

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Students studying at Sixth Form level or equivalent are eligible. Gap year students are eligible if they have not undertaken additional formal education beyond Sixth Form level. Students who are not yet studying at Sixth Form level are not eligible. Students who have already begun university level study are not eligible.

    Cost, funding, and what's included

    Entry cost

    Free

    How to enter

    1. 1

      Submit through the official Julia Wood essay upload form by 2pm BST on Wednesday 22 July 2026.

    Submission requirements

    • Essays should be 2000-4000 words. The word count includes additional commentary or content in footnotes and figure or image captions, but excludes the bibliography and references or citations in footnotes. Entrants should clearly reference material used to support their arguments and provide full source details.

    Prizes & recognition

    The competition awards prizes including winner and runner-up recognition. Since the Julia Wood History Essay Competition was established in 1994, 81 school students have been given prizes.

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • St Hugh's College, University of Oxford

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 28 May 2026)

    • Competition details confirmed

    • Provider information verified

    • Eligibility criteria checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current submission instructions before entering.