MP launches school essay competition

Students across Montgomeryshire are being invited to share their ideas on improving their communities as part of a new essay competition launched to mark UK Parliament Week.

UK Parliament Week, which runs until November 30, encourages people to learn more about how democracy works and how they can get involved. More than 2.4 million people took part in events last year, with the majority being young people under 16.

To support this year’s programme, Steve Witherden MP has announced a Policy Proposal Essay Competition for students in Key Stages 4 and 5 (Years 10 to 13) attending schools in the constituency.

Entrants are asked to write up to 2,000 words identifying a local issue affecting their community and setting out a realistic proposal to tackle it. 

They must explain the problem, describe what a successful outcome would look like, and outline a clear implementation plan that considers funding, timelines, and how different tiers of government – local authorities, Welsh Government, and UK Government – interact.

Submissions must be emailed in PDF format to steve.witherden.mp@parliament.uk with the subject line Student Essay Competition Submission: [First Name, Last Name, Name of School] by Monday, January 5, 2026.

The winning student will earn a tour of the Houses of Parliament for their form group or class, while the winning essay will also be published on the MP’s website and shared on social media. Shortlisted entries may receive detailed feedback, although this cannot be guaranteed for all submissions.

Steve Witherden MP said: “Living in a democracy means everyone gets a say as to how the country is run. It means finding common solutions to common problems.

“To mark UK Parliament Week, I am asking pupils in Key Stages 4 and 5 across the constituency to send me their policy proposals for addressing the important issues affecting their local communities.

“Big or small, known about or niche, I want you to put your ideas into practice. Send me your submission by January 5 for a chance to visit the Houses of Parliament.”