Pupils Explore ‘Truth’ in 2026 Richard Hillary Essay Competition

The annual Richard Hillary Essay Competition brought together a packed Alington Hall as members of the Sixth Form gathered to take on one of Shrewsbury School’s most intellectually demanding traditions.

With just one hour to write, pupils were presented with a single-word essay title revealed only when they opened the envelope on their desks. This year’s theme was ‘Truth’.

The 2026 competition was judged by former Shrewsbury Headmaster Jeremy Goulding, who praised the exceptional quality, range and sophistication of the essays submitted.

Reflecting on the entries, Mr Goulding described the standard as “genuinely rewarding, indeed uplifting”, noting the “remarkable range” of approaches taken by the writers in responding to the open-ended challenge. He said: “The quality in thinking and writing is so impressive as to make differentiation between them far from easy.”

Among the essays recognised were explorations of truth through philosophy, literature, morality, history and human emotion, with pupils drawing on sources ranging from Immanuel Kant and Paradise Lost to contemporary political discourse and questions of personal belief.

The Richard Hillary Essay Medal for 2026 was awarded to Matthew W (SH, UVI), whose essay impressed the judge with its “striking fluency, accessibility and progression of argument” alongside a “thought-provoking conclusion”.

Alanood A (UVI, MSH) was named runner-up for an essay that explored the relationship between truth, trust and accountability, while commendations were awarded to Maelys R (LVI, G), Theresa C (LVI, EDH) and Violet H (VI, M).

In his concluding remarks, Mr Goulding reflected on the power of hearing pupils’ individual voices through their writing and praised the intellectual curiosity shown across all twelve shortlisted essays.

He said: “Reading these essays has been genuinely rewarding, indeed uplifting.”

The Richard Hillary Essay Competition remains one of the highlights of the Sixth Form academic calendar, celebrating independent thought, clarity of expression and the confidence to grapple with complex ideas under pressure.