The James Hemming Essay Prize is administered by the British Humanist Association, New Humanist and the South Place Ethical Society.

Entries of no more than 1,500 words will be accepted from any student at a UK school or college studying for AS or A2 levels or qualifications at the same level (eg intermediate 1, intermediate 2, higher, advanced higher etc) who will not have passed his or her 19th birthday by 26th March 2010.

The question for 2010 is:

'Tolerance, good temper and sympathy - they are what matter really.' (E M Forster, What I Believe, 1939). Discuss.

In 1939 the famous humanist, novelist and essayist E M Forster wrote in his essay, What I Believe, 'Tolerance, good temper and sympathy - they are what matter really, and if the human race is not to collapse they must come to the front before long.' What do you think he meant? Do you agree with him or not? Why?

The James Hemming Essay Prize awards are:

1st Prize £1000
2nd Prize £500
3rd Prize £250

Prize winners will receive their awards in London in July/August 2010.  The prize money is provided by the South Place Ethical Society.  Prize winners will also receive books from the British Humanist Association and a year's subscription to New Humanist.  The prize winner's college or school will receive books from the British Humanist Association and a free online subscription to New Humanist.