Poetry by Heart is a national poetry speaking competition for schools and colleges, open to all pupils in key stages 2 to 5. Taking part in Poetry By Heart is all about developing confidence with poetry in an enjoyable, accessible and engaging way.
Registration, participation and competition entry are free for schools and colleges in England.
There are two Poetry By Heart entry categories:
Classic - the 2-poem national championship
Classic is:
a national championship competition
for pupils at school or college in England in key stages 2, 3, 4 and 5
performing solo
2 poems from the Poetry By Heart website (which includes all GCSE anthology poems)
with option to choose A Level set text poem (check rules first!)
one poem must be published before 1914 and one in/after 1914
gives you the greatest chance of getting to the Grand Finale
Freestyle - the 1-poem celebration
Freestyle is:
a more informal celebration of poetry
for pupils at school or college in England in key stages 2, 3, 4 and 5
and their teachers, librarians and other school staff too!
performing solo or as a pair, small group, whole class or whole year group
with a combination of voice, movement, action, image, setting, costume, props, music, sound, dramatisation or dance – as long as the poem is spoken out loud and by heart.
1 poem usually from the Poetry By Heart website with options to choose from other sources
Find out more here
Deadline: Friday 4th April 2025