History PrizeWe are delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 Sir Martin Gilbert History Prize:First prize:Annabella Amponsah-Asamoah, St George’s Catholic School“Entering the History Prize was both fun and beneficial. It allowed me to research a topic that was interesting, learn more about the interesting relationship between British culture and the Jewish religion, as well as complementing my GCSE curriculum. I learnt about the experience of people over such a massive range of time, considering factors that cause this to change. It made me rely on my own analysis skills to both select useful evidence and construct an argument in a way that felt unique and authentic to me. Overall, it was a really worthwhile experience and I loved every second of it!”Second prize:Oliver James, Bradford Grammar School“I realy enjoyed the Sir Martin Gilbert History Prize and thought it was an excellent event. I particularly liked how the content was similar to topics covered in class, but still unique and interesting. It’s definitely furthered my understanding of the GCSE course whilst still giving me the opportunity to understand new ideas and perspectives. I also thought the structure of the competition worked really well, having a few pre-prepared sources made it easy to just jump straight in, but encouraging additional sources allowed people to strengthen and support their own individual arguments. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I’m honoured to have reached the top two (let alone have come anywhere near doing so) and I highly recommend it to anyone considering entering next year.”Please see below the details of the 2026 Sir Martin Gilbert History Prize, which has now closed:‘Britain has been all she could be to Jews.’How accurately does this quote reflect the history of Jews in this country? Organised in partnership with the Department of Hebrew & Jewish Studies at University College LondonThe History Prize is open to UK students in Years 10 and 11 (England and Wales)/ S3 and S4 (Scotland)/ Years 11 and 12 (Northern Ireland). It is organised by the Sir Martin Gilbert Learning Centre and the Department of Hebrew & Jewish Studies at University College London.We will award a First Prize of £400 and a Second Prize of £200, both of which will go directly to the students. The deadline for entries is 11.59pm on 28 February 2026.The Prize encourages students to explore the rich history of Jews who have come to Britain over the past 1,000 years. It also aims to nurture historical skills, supporting students to develop a historical argument based on a range of primary and secondary sources.To support the Prize we offer free workshops, led by UCL academics, on Jewish migration to Britain 1066-2025. This topic is linked to the GCSE Thematic Study on Migration but also resonates with a wide range of curricula.Teachers can book sessions via our bookings page.Terms and guidelinesThe competition is open to secondary school students at UK schools in Years 10 and 11 (England and Wales)/ S3 and S4 (Scotland)/ Years 11 and 12 (Northern Ireland).We will award a First Prize of £400 and a Second Prize of £200, both of which will go directly to the students. The judges reserve the right not to award prizes if the standard of entries does not merit it.Only one entry per student is allowed.Essays should be up to 2,000 words, including any footnotes. You may use any referencing style, as long as it is used consistently.Entries should be submitted in Word or PDF format via the form below.Entries must be the student’s own work and should be written without the use of generative artificial intelligence.The deadline for entries is 11.59pm on 28 February 2026. Late submissions are not possible and will not be considered.The winning entries will be announced by the end of May 2026.Essays will be marked on the following criteria:Primary sourcesGuides and bibliography