Minds Underground™ Young Minds Global Essay Competition (Ages 14 and Under)
The 2026 competition is now live!
About the Young Minds Global Essay Competition
The Minds Underground™ Young Minds Competition, run in partnership with Aseeder, is an exciting and intellectually stimulating international essay competition for students under 14 (at the time of the submission deadline). This competition offers young learners a unique platform to engage with thought-provoking questions, challenge their thinking, and explore new ideas beyond the standard school curriculum.
The competition provides students with an excellent opportunity to engage in debate, develop critical thinking, and hone their writing skills - all essential tools for future academic success. Whether you have a passion for science, humanities, or creative expression, the Young Minds Competition encourages participants to delve deeper into their chosen subject and present their ideas in a compelling and well-argued essay.
Entrants will be given a range of questions to choose from, spanning a variety of topics, designed to spark curiosity and inspire thoughtful responses. Each participant must select one question and submit an essay that explores the topic in depth. The challenge lies in presenting clear, original arguments, backed by logical reasoning, creativity, and a strong understanding of the subject matter.
The competition is not only an excellent way to showcase your intellectual abilities but also a chance to explore subjects that fascinate you, discover new perspectives, and refine your writing skills. Top entries will be recognised for their originality, depth of thought, and clarity of expression, with winners receiving prestigious awards and the opportunity to stand out on future applications to leading schools and universities.
Are you ready to challenge yourself, explore new ideas, and showcase your passion for learning with our academic writing competition for young thinkers?
Submission Deadline: 3rd April 2026.
View Competition Guidelines (Two winners will be announced, one from the 8-11 yr category and one from the 12-14 yr category).
2026 Young Minds Essay Questions
1
Imagine it’s the year 2125. What part of life today do people no longer understand?
2
Create your own invention or idea that solves a global problem - what is it, and how does it work?
3
Describe a day in a world where emotions are visible as colours.
Taking part in the Young Minds Competition is an excellent way to:
Strengthen your analytical and creative writing skills.
Experience a taste of academic essay writing used at top schools and universities.
Build confidence in expressing opinions and developing arguments.
Gain recognition - winners, runners-up, and highly commended entrants will receive certificates and a feature on the Minds Underground™ website.
Prepare for future essay competitions and academic enrichment programmes such as our Senior Minds Prizes and Summer Schools.
Why Enter?
What We’re Looking For
Essays will be judged on:
Originality of ideas
Clarity and structure of argument
Creativity and engagement with the topic
Spelling, punctuation, and grammar
We’re looking for enthusiasm, curiosity, and imagination - not perfection!
Students who enjoy the competition can continue developing their academic interests through:
Young Scholars Clubs: weekly online sessions (1hr) exploring STEM, and Debate for younger students.
STEM & Humanities Summer Schools: short online courses with small discussion groups and expert mentors. We run some of these for the younger U14 age category e.g. Law, STEM etc.
Research & Essay Projects: guided mini-projects to extend an essay into a deeper piece of work. These can all be adjusted for U14. Some STEM students also like to enter their research for a CREST award.
These experiences build confidence and enhance school learning while offering early exposure to university-style thinking.
Further Opportunities with Minds Underground™
When preparing for essay competitions or exploring complex topics, using strong, verified resources is essential. High-quality publications, reputable podcasts, and educational videos can help students build well-supported arguments, refine critical thinking skills, and expand general knowledge.
Regularly engaging with these resources allows students to understand diverse perspectives and stay informed on current issues, enhancing their ability to argue effectively and make well-rounded points. Reliable sources like articles, research papers, and podcasts also expose students to new vocabulary, structured reasoning, and various writing styles - all of which are invaluable for crafting compelling essays and excelling in academic discussions.
N.B. Students in the 8-11 age category will not be expected to engage with high level resources when writing their entry.
Resources for Young Minds Competition Entrants
News Websites, Magazines and Journals
Newsround (BBC)
Aimed at younger audiences, Newsround offers current news stories presented in an engaging and age-appropriate way. It covers a wide range of topics, including science, world events, and sports, helping students understand global issues.
The Week Junior
This magazine provides a fun, engaging look at current events and interesting topics tailored for younger readers. Each issue includes articles on news, science, and culture, helping students stay informed while encouraging critical thinking and discussion.National Geographic
This website features fun articles, videos, and quizzes on wildlife, science, and geography. The interactive nature of the site makes it easy for students to engage with complex subjects. Check out their article on ‘How to Write a Perfect Essay’.The Guardian’s “Big Ideas” Section
Covering everything from science to philosophy, this section has short, accessible articles that can help students get familiar with contemporary topics.
BBC Bitesize
The Economist
Offers in-depth analysis and articles on global issues, technology, and environmental topics. Articles often discuss ethical implications and the role of young people in societal changes.TIME Magazine
Covers a range of contemporary issues, including technology, climate change, and youth activism. The articles provide various perspectives that can enhance students' understanding of current events.The New York Times
Known for its investigative journalism and opinion pieces, it provides extensive coverage of global issues, including technology and climate change.
Educational YouTube Channels/ Websites
Crash Course
This popular YouTube series covers various subjects, including science, history, and literature, with engaging animations and clear explanations. Students can explore specific topics that interest them, fostering curiosity and deeper understanding.Khan Academy
This channel provides educational videos on various subjects, including maths, science, and humanities. The concise videos can help students grasp new concepts and improve their writing on related topics.TED Talks (particularly the TED-Ed series)
Many TED-Ed talks cover a wide array of subjects in science, humanities, and social studies, perfect for getting new ideas and thinking critically about how to express them.
BBC Bitesize
Aimed at school students, this resource provides concise articles and videos on a range of topics, including ethics and environmental studies, making complex subjects easier to understand.
Podcasts for Young Audiences
Brains On!
A science podcast for kids that explores fascinating questions and topics in an engaging way. Each episode invites listeners to think critically about science and the world around them.Tumble Science Podcast
This podcast covers various scientific topics, featuring interviews with scientists and engaging discussions. It's a great way for students to learn about different fields of study.
Research Databases
Google Scholar
A search engine for scholarly articles across various disciplines. Students can access research papers and studies related to their topics, allowing them to gather credible information.JSTOR (free access to some articles)
A digital library that offers access to academic journals, books, and primary sources. Many universities provide free access to high school students; check with local libraries for options.
Past Questions
Minds Underground Conundrum Contest: Student Writing Competition (14 & Under)
Elon Musk’s dream has come true - we have found another planet that could support human life. However, there is a problem - there are only 200 spaces on the ship. The world’s population is 7.9 billion. Who should we take? Enter the Minds Underground Conundrum Competition to let us know your solution!
Age: 14 & Younger
STEM Invention Challenge: Creative Writing Competition For Students (U14)
It's time for students to get their thinking hats on for the Minds Underground Science Student Writing Competition! A creative writing competition like no other, students must write about an invention that could change the world. Fiction and non-fiction writing entries accepted. Join our combined Writing And STEM Competition for kids!
Age: 14 & Younger