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.

About the International Schools Essay Competition and Debate

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.

About the Trust for Sustainable Living

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: - Student competitions. - Debates. - Education summits. - Sustainability education. - Opportunities to engage with sustainability issues. Through these activities, the Trust provides a platform for youth voices and encourages students to contribute their perspectives to wider discussions about sustainability. Who Can Participate? The competition is open to students worldwide aged 7–18. Students are divided into two age categories: - 7–11 years - 12–18 years This age-group structure allows students to participate alongside others in a similar age range. What Can Students Submit? Students can submit essays or creative pieces focused on sustainability topics. Entries can be submitted in several formats, including: - Written essays. - Video pieces. - Audio pieces. - Other eligible creative formats. 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. Optional Student Self-Reflection 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. How Are Entries Submitted? Teacher Champions coordinate and submit entries on behalf of participating students.

Entries may be submitted through:

- Schools. - Colleges. - Education institutions. - Home-schools. - Individual students. 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. Who Are Teacher Champions? 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. Recognition and Certificates The competition provides recognition to students and Teacher Champions for their efforts and contributions to sustainability education.

Certificates are awarded to:

- Grand Prize Winner. - Runner Up. - Students recognised as Finalists. - Students receiving Honourable Mentions. - Participating Teacher Champions. The certificates recognise the achievements and efforts of participants and those who help encourage student engagement in sustainability education. Why Participate in the Competition? The competition gives students an opportunity to explore sustainability issues and communicate their ideas through creative work.

Participation can help young people

- Engage with sustainability topics. - Develop and communicate their ideas. - Express their perspectives through creative formats. - Contribute to discussions about sustainability. - Gain recognition for their work. - Receive certificates for recognised achievements or participation. The initiative also helps amplify youth voices in conversations involving leaders in politics, business, and education. Competition Formats Students are able to choose from different entry formats depending on the requirements of the competition. Written Essays Students can submit a written essay of up to 600 words focused on a sustainability topic. Video Entries Students can submit a video piece with a maximum duration of 3 minutes. Audio Entries 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. Key Facts About the International Schools Essay Competition and Debate

- Competition: International Schools Essay Competition and Debate

- Organiser: Trust for Sustainable Living

- Eligibility: Students worldwide

- Age range: 7–18 years

- Age category 1: 7–11 years

- Age category 2: 12–18 years

- Focus: Sustainability topics

- Written entry limit: Maximum 600 words

- Video/audio limit: Maximum 3 minutes

- Entry formats: Written, video, and audio pieces

- Non-written entries: Must include a short explanation

- Self-reflection: Optional

- Teacher Champions: Coordinate and submit entries

- Teacher Champion eligibility: Schools, colleges, education institutions, home-schools, or parents/guardians where needed

- Recognition: Grand Prize Winner, Runner Up, Finalists, Honourable Mentions, and participating Teacher Champions receive certificates

Frequently Asked Questions About the International Schools Essay Competition and Debate What is the International Schools Essay Com