By KLTV Newsdesk –

National Poetry Centre launches free creative opportunity to boost confidence and expression in Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils

What if every student in your class could find a new way to express themselves through words, rhythm and imagination?  That’s exactly what the Young Poet Laureate Programme aims to achieve.

Launched by the National Poetry Centre in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, this free national initiative is open to Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils across England, empowering young people to celebrate their own voices and experiences through poetry.

Building creativity and confidence through poetry

Whether your pupils already love writing or think poetry “isn’t for them,” the Young Poet Laureate Programme offers the tools and inspiration to help them grow in confidence and creativity.

By registering, schools receive ready-to-use classroom resources designed to make poetry fun, engaging, and accessible.

Teachers can weave poetry into their lessons with activities that encourage pupils to explore language and emotion in new ways.

Young Poets Week: A celebration of young talent

Running from 24–28 November, Young Poets Week invites schools nationwide to join a week-long celebration of poetry.

The event features exclusive online masterclasses from acclaimed poets, including Laura Mucha, Zohab Zee Khan, Karl Nova, and Nikita Gill, who will guide students through exercises that spark imagination and self-expression.

A national platform for emerging poets

Beyond the classroom, the programme offers pupils the chance to apply to become Young Poet Laureates, representing their region on a national stage.

Successful applicants will share their poetry and perspectives, amplifying young voices from communities across England.

Schools that register early could even receive the opportunity to host an in-person poetry session with a professional poet, a chance to bring the magic of live performance directly into the classroom.

Join a movement to inspire the next generation of poets

The Young Poet Laureate Programme is supported by the Arts Council England, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the Charlotte Aitken Trust, with the backing of Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire.

Together, they’re building a movement that celebrates creativity, self-expression, and literacy—helping young people to “change their story” through the power of poetry.

How to take part

Schools can register now to take part in the 2025 Young Poet Laureate Programme and access all the free resources.