Essay Competition certificate templates and badges

Most panels judge an essay on how well it answers the question, the originality of its argument, its structure, its use of evidence and the quality of its language. Publish the criteria with the rules, and list them on the certificate so the writer can see what earned the award.

The judges read each entry without the writer's name, school or other details, usually because the organiser replaces them with an entry number. This keeps the judging fair. If your competition is judged blind, say so on the certificate, as it adds weight to the result.

It depends on the age group. School competitions often set limits from about 500 words for younger students to 1,500 or 2,000 words for older students, and university or open contests may allow 3,000 words or more. State the category and the word limit on the certificate.

Yes, ideally the chair of judges, who stands for the panel's decision, together with the person who runs the competition, such as the competition director, the head of English or the society's president. A guest judge, for example a published author, can sign as well.

Most give first, second and third prizes in each age category, and many add highly commended or shortlisted places. Some add a cash prize, books or a place at a writing workshop. Name the exact placing and category on each certificate.

Often, yes. Many organisers publish the prize essays in an anthology, a journal or on their website, and the rules should say so before entries open. Ask each winner, or a parent for a young writer, for permission before you publish, and credit the writer by name.