SFS Prize for Schools
Launched in 2026, the SFS Prize for Schools is an initiative for Year 12 A-Level French students in the UK and students at an equivalent stage of study in Ireland. The prize is designed to support students in developing their research skills, while encouraging deeper engagement with the French and francophone world. In the UK, it also complements preparation for the Independent Research Project (IRP). More broadly, it invites students to explore a topic that genuinely interests them, strengthen their analytical and creative skills, and experience the kind of independent learning that forms an important part of university study.
Through the SFS Prize for Schools, the Society for French Studies celebrates student curiosity, independent research, and creative engagement with French and francophone studies, while helping students build confidence as they move from school-level learning towards university study.
The project is currently in a pilot for 2026, working with several schools in England. We anticipate that the Prize will launch nationwide in 2027; please check this page around January 2027 for more information. Colleagues (or students) in schools who would like more information are warmly encouraged to contact the Schools Officer, Dr. Marion Krauthaker (schools@sfs.ac.uk), in the meantime.
Entries
How the competition will be judged
Students will be able to submit either an individual essay in French of 800–1000 words or a creative project, such as a podcast, video, mini-film, piece of creative writing, or social-media-style project. Creative submissions may be completed individually or in small groups.
All submissions should demonstrate thoughtful engagement with a topic connected to French or francophone cultures, societies, languages, histories, or contemporary debates. The prize is intended to complement existing classroom work. Students are supported through recorded workshops on topic choice, research, argumentation, and presentation, with optional live online clinics available for questions and guidance. Teachers are invited to share the opportunity with their students, but no additional marking or administrative work is required.
Assessment
Submissions are assessed by a panel from the SFS Executive Committee, with attention to research insight, originality, engagement with francophone themes, quality of French, and creativity where relevant.