We are exceptionally proud of Sophie Wesson, an aspiring philosopher and Upper Sixth IB student, who has been shortlisted in the Philosophy category of the John Locke Institute 2023 Global Essay Prize.

This prestigious prize has strong connections with both the University of Oxford and Princeton University and hosts annual global essay competitions, which are judged by Oxford professors. Students explore a wide range of challenging and interesting questions beyond the confines of the school curriculum, with entries invited for History, Politics, Philosophy or Economics. The essays are judged on the level of knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, the quality of argumentation, the structure, writing style, and persuasive force.

Sophie commented on her essay: “The question I chose to answer was ‘In what sense are you the same person today as you were when you were ten?’ My essay discussed varying ideas about what makes up our personal identity. I found it very interesting to explore different views like that our body or soul make up our identity, or even that we have no persisting identity throughout our lives. My essay has been shortlisted as a finalist, and I look forward to finding out the results this weekend.”

Mrs Greenwood (Head of Philosophy and Religion) said: “Sophie has been really proactive at engaging with Philosophy beyond the curriculum, completing online courses in Philosophy of Logic and engaging with primary texts at our Philosophy book group. Sophie’s shortlist for this prize is therefore a well-deserved recognition of her hard work in ensuring her successful application to a top UK university.”

Sophie has received an exclusive invitation to attend a ceremony at the University of Oxford's Sheldonian Theatre. After the ceremony, there will be a gala reception at the Ashmolean Museum this Saturday.

We wish Sophie the best of luck and hope she enjoys the ceremony and gala reception.

Find out more about the competition here.