Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Young Poets Competition is a free international poetry contest for young writers aged 11–17. It invites original, unpublished poems written in English, with strict rules against AI-generated content and prior publication. UK participants may submit up to three poems, while international entrants may submit one.
Overview of the Competition
The Young Poets Competition is an international initiative designed to encourage creative writing among young people. It provides a platform for emerging poets aged 11–17 to share original poetry in English on any theme.
The competition promotes creativity, linguistic diversity, and self-expression, while ensuring fair participation through strict originality guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the competition, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be aged between 11 and 17 years at the time of entry
- Open to participants worldwide
- Entries must be written by a single author
- Submissions must be original and unpublished
Submission Rules
Participants must follow strict submission guidelines to ensure eligibility.
- UK entrants may submit up to three poems
- International entrants may submit only one poem
- Poems must be written in English
- Maximum length is 40 lines per poem
- Entries must be submitted through approved submission methods only
- Email submissions are not accepted
- Participants should retain a copy of their work, as submissions will not be returned
Content and Originality Requirements
The competition places strong emphasis on originality and authenticity.
- Poems must be completely original and created by the participant
- Previously published poems are not allowed, including those shared on:
- Social media platforms
- Blogs or personal websites
- School publications
- Online magazines
- Television or radio broadcasts
- Poems that have won other competitions are not eligible
- Use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini is strictly prohibited
Theme and Creative Freedom
The competition allows complete creative freedom for participants.
- Poems can be written on any theme or topic
- Participants may include words or phrases from their native language or other languages within their poems
- There are no thematic restrictions, encouraging personal expression and creativity
Awards and Participation Notes
The competition is free to enter and open internationally, but participants should be aware of logistical conditions.
- Entry is completely free of charge
- International travel costs for award ceremony attendance are not covered
- Winners may be invited to attend an award ceremony
- Participants must ensure they follow all eligibility and originality rules
Importance of the Competition
The Young Poets Competition plays a key role in supporting young literary talent by:
- Encouraging creative expression among young writers
- Promoting poetry as a form of global communication
- Providing an international platform for emerging voices
- Supporting originality and artistic development
- Building confidence in young authors
Conclusion
The Young Poets Competition is a global poetry initiative for young writers aged 11–17 that emphasizes originality, creativity, and accessibility. By offering a free and international platform, it supports young poets in sharing their voices while maintaining strict standards for authenticity and non-AI-generated creative work.
For more information, visit Foyle Foundation.