SPM Students Excel at Prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize

Sekolah Perkumpulan Mandiri (SPM) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of two exceptional students — Abel (Grade 12) and Chloe (Grade 10) — who have distinguished themselves in the internationally renowned John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2025. Their accomplishments are a testament to their intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the academic excellence nurtured at SPM.

A Prestigious Global Platform

The John Locke Institute, headquartered in Oxford and Princeton, is an educational organization that aims to inspire young people to engage critically with big ideas and timeless questions. Its Global Essay Prize is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious international essay competitions for pre-university students. Thousands of entries are submitted each year by students from around the world, competing across a range of categories such as Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology, Theology, and Law.

The competition challenges students to think independently, articulate sophisticated arguments, and present their ideas with clarity and originality — qualities that mirror the standards of top global universities, including the University of Oxford, with which the Institute is closely connected.

Celebrating Chloe’s High Commendation

Among the sea of international submissions, Chloe (Grade 10) shone brightly, receiving a High Commendation in Theology — a recognition awarded to essays that demonstrate exceptional insight and academic rigour. Chloe’s achievement places her among the top-ranked students globally in this challenging category. Her ability to analyze complex theological questions and present her arguments thoughtfully reflects not only her personal dedication but also the strong foundation in critical thinking fostered at SPM.

Applauding Abel’s Outstanding Shortlisted Entry

Meanwhile, Abel (Grade 12) earned a Certificate of Recognition for her outstanding shortlisted submission, marking her essay as one of the top entries worldwide. Reaching the shortlist in the John Locke Essay Prize is an impressive accomplishment in itself, as only a select number of essays make it through multiple rounds of rigorous evaluation by academic experts and scholars.

A Journey of Courage, Curiosity, and Commitment

Both students embarked on this journey with a passion for learning and the courage to share their voices on an international stage. Their success highlights not only their individual brilliance but also SPM’s commitment to nurturing leadership, communication skills, and intellectual growth through programs like Leader in Me and The 7 Habits.

Their achievements serve as a powerful inspiration to their peers — proving that with curiosity, courage, and hard work, young minds from Indonesia can shine on the world stage.