The Tom Rocks Maths Essay Competition is back for 2026 in partnership with Oxford Lifelong Learning. Full details and entry form here.

This exciting competition asks mathematicians of all ages and abilities to explain their favourite mathematical topic in an essay aimed at a non-specialist audience. Originally launched in 2020 as a partnership between Tom Rocks Maths and St Edmund Hall, the competition aims to provide the participants with the opportunity to communicate complex ideas in an understandable manner, and to encourage them to engage with maths beyond any curriculum.

There are no eligibility requirements, all you need is a passion for maths and a flair for writing to participate! The closing date is 11:59pm Monday 13th April 2026 and the showcase of entries (including the announcement of the winners) will take place throughout summer 2026.

There are two strands of entry:

1. Student (17 and under)
2. Adult (over 18)

Please note: a ‘student’ is defined as anyone who is still studying full-time at school or college, university students fall into the ‘adult’’ category.

NEW THIS YEAR: there is a maximum word limit of 2000, and all entries must be submitted using the online form as PDF documents (Microsoft Word documents will no longer be accepted).

The winners will be selected by Dr Tom Crawford, Public Engagement Lead and Departmental Lecturer, and creator of the award-winning ’Tom Rocks Maths’ programme. All entries will be published on the Tom Rocks Maths website as part of the essay showcase.

The student prizewinner will receive a cash prize of £100 alongside the publication of their winning essay on the University website.

The adult prizewinner will receive free registration to a Short Online Course (SOC) at Oxford Lifelong Learning of their choosing and the publication of their winning essay on the University website. The full list of courses available can be found here.