Pathways Through Poetry is a new Poetry School programme, aimed at increasing access to the poetry world and to give students a thorough grounding in the craft of writing poetry.
The programme runs over 2 years and comprises 6 x termly modules of 10 sessions, each with a different focus and curriculum. Each module is taught by a different tutor, meaning that over the full programme, students will work with 6 different tutors, creating a dynamic and lively learning experience, as well as exposing participants to a wide range of current poetry professionals. The course content was devised in 2025 in consultation with a poetry dream team: Helen Mort, Rachel Long, and Matthew Caley. This is the first Module of the Pathways Through Poetry programme and next modules will be published in subsequent terms.
In Pathways 1, we will dive into poetic first principles – great for those just starting to devote themselves to writing poetry, or those wanting to refresh their essential skills and understanding.
Tutor for Pathways 1: Rachel Long
Rachel Long founded and ran Octavia Poetry Collective for Women of Colour, which was housed at the Southbank Centre, in London, from 2015 to 2020. Her debut collection, My Darling from the Lions (Picador 2020 / Tin House 2021) was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, The Costa Book Award, The Rathbones Folio Prize, and The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award. The US edition of My Darling from the Lions was named one of the 100 must-read books of 2021 by TIME. She has judged numerous literary prizes including The National Poetry Competition, The Dylan Thomas Prize, and the Poetry London Prize.
Dates: Tuesdays, 6.30–8.30pm (GMT), 20 January - 24 March 2026
Location: Online
Further info
here