Minds Underground Classics Essay Competition

The Minds Underground Classics Essay Competition invites school students to engage with university-level research and develop critical, argumentative essay-writing skills in the field of Classics. Entrants select one of the provided questions and submit an essay that demonstrates independent inquiry and engagement with ancient myth, tragedy, and civilisation.

The competition is aimed primarily at Year 12 students (younger applicants are welcome and Year 13/gap-year re-applicants are encouraged). It is intended to support university applications by helping students prepare for interviews and develop the analytical skills valued by admissions tutors.

The organisers provide competition guidelines (link on page) which explain submission format and assessment criteria.

Entries must be submitted by the stated deadline. The winner will receive a £60 voucher redeemable with U2 Tuition or Minds Underground and a tailored Classics Resource Pack. Optional paid mentoring is available for students who want additional support with research and drafting; many mentors are Oxbridge-educated specialists.