Academic Integrity and AI

Essays must be the pupil’s own original work, written in the pupil’s own words.

Use of AI to generate or edit any part of an essay is not permitted. This includes (but is not limited to) using AI tools to write paragraphs, rewrite or “improve” phrasing, summarise sources into ready-to-use text, or produce a final draft for a pupil to adapt.

To protect fairness for all entrants, every submitted essay will be reviewed using AI-detection software. This software does not make decisions on its own; it is used to flag potential AI involvement so we can review entries consistently and appropriately before judging.

We recognise that many pupils encounter AI tools in everyday life, including as a way to spark ideas or explore possible angles. General idea generation or brainstorming may be acceptable, but pupils must not use AI to write sections of their essay or to substantially shape the final wording. What matters is that the submitted piece is demonstrably authored by the pupil.

It is also important to note that AI tools can produce confident-sounding content that is factually incorrect and may generate invented (“hallucinated”) references. For this reason, AI should not be relied upon for fact-checking. Pupils should verify information using reputable sources and cite them properly.

Any essay found to have been written or edited using AI will be disqualified and will not progress further in the competition. Teachers are very welcome to teach the underlying skills of research, evidence-use, structure, and clear communication—provided the final submitted essay remains the pupil’s own work.