R.A. Butler Prize

2025 R.A. Butler Prize winners - full

The 2025 R.A. Butler Prize winners at the celebratory event in Cambridge, September 2025. (Photo: Cat Patterson)

The 2026 Questions are now available

What is the R.A. Butler Prize?

The R.A. Butler Prize is an annual essay competition in politics and international studies, open to students in Year 12 or the Lower 6th. The Prize is a joint initiative between Trinity College, Cambridge, and the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS).

Competition Overview

Each March, the Department releases a list of general questions covering contemporary and theoretical political themes. Candidates select one topic and submit their entry by the July deadline.

Objectives

The R.A. Butler Prize pursues two primary goals:

  • Academic Aspirations: We aim to encourage students with an interest in modern politics and world affairs to consider undergraduate study in politics, international relations, or related disciplines. The competition is inclusive; we welcome entries from students across all subject backgrounds, not merely those currently studying the social sciences.
  • Recognition of Excellence: The Prize formally recognises the intellectual achievements of high-calibre students and the contributions of their teachers.

Commemoration

The Prize honours the memory of Lord Butler, a former Master of Trinity College. A distinguished statesman, Lord Butler served as both Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He is perhaps most significantly remembered for his role in the 1944 Education Act, which introduced universal free secondary education in the United Kingdom.

2026 Questions

  1. Does the rise of political strongmen across democracies reflect a failure of liberalism, or a failure of liberal politicians?
  2. What are the principal qualities needed by effective political leaders in the contemporary world?
  3. Is the era of 'rule-based' politics over?
  4. Can self-determination be achieved without statehood?
  5. Is the international community morally and practically equipped to respond to large-scale population displacements arising out of climate change?
  6. Is the prosecuting of leaders for war crimes flawed because only less powerful figures can be brought to trial?
  7. Has social media now made it impossible to distinguish between genuine popular movements and manufactured political outrage?
  8. Why do states try to regulate human bodies?
  9. Why do democratic governments commonly scapegoat minority groups?
  10. If the era of globalization is over, what are the political consequences?

Submission

  • The deadline for submission is 12 noon (BST) on Friday 31 July 2026
  • Entries should be submitted via the Trinity College website.

Useful information

Format and Requirements

Adherence to the following formatting standards is required for all submissions:

  • Word Count: Essays must not exceed 3,000 words. This limit includes all footnotes and references but excludes the bibliography.
  • Content and Style: The selection committee values the rigorous use of evidence; the most distinguished essays typically incorporate a diverse range of contemporary, historical, or literary examples.
  • Referencing: While there is no prescribed bibliographic style, candidates must provide consistent references for all sources and include a comprehensive bibliography.
  • Document Identification: Please include your full name within the document and save the file using the format: “Surname, First name”.

Eligibility Criteria

The R.A. Butler Prize is intended for students in their penultimate year of secondary education at the time the questions are released in March.

  • UK Applicants: In England and Wales, this corresponds to Year 12 (Lower Sixth); in Scotland, the equivalent is S5.
  • International Applicants: We welcome submissions from students worldwide.
  • Qualifying Graduation Window: To ensure equity among participants, eligibility is strictly limited to students expecting to receive their final school results between September 2026 and August 2027.
  • Submission Limit: Each entrant may submit only one essay. 

No exceptions to these criteria will be granted. Detailed rules of eligibility are available via Trinity College.

Prizes and Recognition

The competition offers the following prizes, which are shared between the successful candidate and their school or college:

  • First Prize: £600 (£300 to the candidate; £300 in book tokens to the school.)
  • Second Prize: £400 (£200 to the candidate; £200 in book tokens to the school.)

In addition to the primary prizes, the Department typically awards eight Special Commendations and forty Commendations. Winners and Special Commendation recipients are announced in September and receive an invitation to visit the College to meet members of the academic staff.

Contact Information

Inquiries from prospective candidates and educators should be directed to Dr Glen Rangwala by email at butlerprize@trin.cam.ac.uk.