Are you ready to challenge the status quo and share your vision for the future?
What is ASPIRE?
Bridgwater College’s A Level ASPIRE programme is proud to announce our Year 10 essay competition. This is a unique opportunity for ambitious local students to showcase their critical thinking, develop academic writing skills, and engage with the most pressing questions facing society today. Whether you are passionate about technology, education, or social dynamics, we want to hear your voice.
Competition overview
The ASPIRE programme is designed to stretch and challenge high-achieving students. This competition invites you to step beyond the standard curriculum and explore one of three provocative themes:
- Technology: Has it truly improved the quality of modern life?
- Education: Are universities still relevant in preparing young people for success in modern society?
- Connection: Does social media connect society, or divide it?
We are looking for independent thinkers who can build a persuasive argument, use evidence effectively, and offer original insights into real-world issues.
Quick guide to entry
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | All Year 10 students at local secondary schools |
| Word Count | 1,000 – 1,500 words |
| Format | PDF or Word document (typed, clear font) |
| Deadline | Monday 15 June 2026 |
| Submission | Email to millert@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. |
Prizes and recognition
Aside from the academic prestige of winning a college-level competition, we are offering the following awards:
- First Prize: £100 voucher + certificate
- Second Prize: £50 voucher + certificate
- Third Prize: £25 voucher + certificate.
Winners may also see their work published on the official College website and be invited to a special prize-giving event on campus to celebrate their achievements.
How to succeed
Our judges are looking for clarity, structure, and a spark of creativity. To stand out, ensure your essay is your own original work (the use of AI tools is strictly prohibited) and that you back up your claims with strong examples.
Entries will be judged on:
- Quality and clarity of argument
- Originality of ideas
- Use of evidence and examples
- Structure and organisation
- Style and communication
- Critical thinking and insight.
Key rules include:
- Essays must be the student’s own work
- No use of AI tools
- Plagiarism will result in disqualification
- The judges’ decisions are final
- By entering, students agree that the college may publish winning entries for promotional and educational purposes.
Terms & Conditions
- The competition is open to Year 10 students only
- Entries must be the student’s own original work and must not contain plagiarised or AI-generated content
- Only one entry per student is permitted
- Entries must be submitted by 11:59pm on Monday 15th June 2026.
- Essays must follow the competition word count and submission guidelines provided
- Winners will be selected by a judging panel appointed by the College. The judges’ decision is final
- Prizes:
- First Prize: £100 voucher and certificate
- Second Prize: £50 voucher and certificate
- Third Prize: £25 voucher and certificate
- By entering the competition, participants agree that the College may publish winning entries, names, and school details on its website and promotional materials
- Winners will be contacted by phone or email using the details provided on the entry form and contacted on Friday 19th June
- Winners may be invited to attend a prize-giving event at the College
- Personal data will only be used for the administration of the competition and in accordance with College policies
- The College reserves the right to amend or withdraw the competition at any time if necessary.
Ready to start?
Pick your question, find your evidence, and show us that the future starts with your ideas. The questions are as follows:
- Has technology improved the quality of modern life?
- Are universities still relevant in preparing young people for success in modern society?
- Does social media connect society, or divide it?
Students should include the following information in their submission to millert@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk:
- Full name
- School name
- Year group
- Essay title
- Contact email for parent/carer or school contact.
The deadline is Monday 15 June 2026 and late submissions may not be considered.
