The James Hemming essay prize is open to 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 2009/10 essay question 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?

Essays entered for the competition should be no more than 1,500 words including footnotes but not including references, and any sources must be referenced.  Essays must be the original work of the entrant and the James Hemming Essay Prize committee reserves first publication rights for winning essays.

In the event of no essay meeting an adequate standard, the judges reserves the right not to award any or all of the prizes.

The essay must be accompanied by a completed entry form [download here] and posted to:

James Hemming Essay Prize, 1 Gower Street, London WC1E 6HD

by 26th March 2010.