Applications open for TSL 2027 International Student Competition

Deadline: 01-Mar-2027

The International Schools Essay Competition and Debate invites students aged 7–18 from around the world to submit essays and creative pieces exploring sustainability topics. The competition provides students with an opportunity to share their ideas on sustainability while receiving recognition and certificates for their participation and achievements. The competition is organised by the Trust for Sustainable Living, a global educational charity that empowers young people to contribute to a more sustainable future through student competitions, debates, and education summits. The International Schools Essay Competition and Debate provides a global platform for students to explore sustainability issues and express their ideas through writing and other creative formats. The competition aims to encourage young people to engage with sustainability challenges and amplify youth voices by connecting their ideas with leaders in politics, business, and education. Students can participate through different formats, allowing them to communicate their sustainability ideas in ways that suit their interests and abilities. The Trust for Sustainable Living is a global educational charity focused on empowering the next generation to help achieve a sustainable future. The organisation supports young people through: Through these activities, the Trust provides a platform for youth voices and encourages students to contribute their perspectives to wider discussions about sustainability. The competition is open to students worldwide aged 7–18. Students are divided into two age categories: This age-group structure allows students to participate alongside others in a similar age range. Students can submit essays or creative pieces focused on sustainability topics. Entries can be submitted in several formats, including: Written essays must be a maximum of 600 words. Video and audio submissions must be a maximum of 3 minutes. Non-written entries must also include a short explanation of the submitted project. Students may optionally include a self-reflection on their project. This provides an opportunity for participants to explain their thinking, learning, or experience while developing their sustainability-related entry. Teacher Champions coordinate and submit entries on behalf of participating students.

Entries may be submitted through:

Parents or guardians may also register as Teacher Champions when needed. This structure allows students to participate even when a school-based Teacher Champion is not available. Teacher Champions are responsible for coordinating and submitting student entries. They can represent schools, colleges, education institutions, or home-school arrangements. Parents or guardians may also take on the Teacher Champion role where necessary, helping students participate in the competition. The competition provides recognition to students and Teacher Champions for their efforts and contributions to sustainability education.

Certificates are awarded to:

The certificates recognise the achievements and efforts of participants and those who help encourage student engagement in sustainability education. The competition gives students an opportunity to explore sustainability issues and communicate their ideas through creative work.

Participation can help young people

The initiative also helps amplify youth voices in conversations involving leaders in politics, business, and education. Students are able to choose from different entry formats depending on the requirements of the competition. Students can submit a written essay of up to 600 words focused on a sustainability topic. Students can submit a video piece with a maximum duration of 3 minutes. Audio pieces can also be submitted, with a maximum duration of 3 minutes. Non-written submissions must be accompanied by a short explanation of the project. It is a global student competition that invites young people to submit essays and creative pieces on sustainability topics. Students worldwide aged 7–18 can participate.

Students are divided into two categories: 7–11 years and 12–18 years.

Written essays can contain a maximum of 600 words. Video and audio pieces can be a maximum of 3 minutes. Yes. Students can submit creative pieces in formats such as video or audio, subject to the competition’s submission requirements. Yes. Non-written entries must be accompanied by a short explanation. Yes. Students may optionally include a self-reflection on their project. Teacher Champions coordinate and submit entries on behalf of schools, colleges, education institutions, home-schools, or individual students. Yes. Parents or guardians may register as Teacher Champions if needed. Certificates are awarded to the Grand Prize Winner, Runner Up, Finalists, Honourable Mentions, and participating Teacher Champions. The competition aims to encourage students to engage with sustainability issues, express their ideas, and contribute youth perspectives to wider sustainability discussions. The competition is organised by the Trust for Sustainable Living, a global educational charity focused on empowering young people to help achieve a sustainable future. The International Schools Essay Competition and Debate provides students aged 7–18 worldwide with an opportunity to explore sustainability issues and share their ideas through essays and creative submissions. With separate age categories for students aged 7–11 and 12–18, the competition supports participation through written essays of up to 600 words as well as video and audio pieces of up to three minutes. Students may also include an optional self-reflection, while non-written entries must include a short explanation. Through recognition and certificates for winners, finalists, honourable mentions, and participating Teacher Champions, the initiative encourages young people and educators to engage actively in sustainability education and helps amplify youth voices in global sustainability discussion