Entries open for Young Romantics Poetry Prize

The Keats Shelley Memorial Association’s Young Romantics Poetry Prize (2026–27) invites school-aged poets to submit original poems responding to the theme “Oceans.” The entry deadline is 10am (GMT) on Monday 1 February 2027, and entry is free. Winners receive £700, with two highly commended entrants receiving £300 each. The Young Romantics Poetry and Essay Prize began in 2015 to encourage school-aged poets and essayists to respond to the work of the Romantics. For the 2026–27 Poetry Prize, entrants are invited to write poems that respond to the theme “Oceans.” The prize includes a panel of judges. For 2026–27, returning judges for the Poetry Prize include Will Kemp and Professor Deryn Rees-Jones (the chair of the judging panel will be announced shortly). This opportunity provides cash prizes and publication opportunities: Entry is free. The source does not specify additional benefits beyond the prizes and publication. The Young Romantics Poetry Prize is open to: Additional eligibility and submission requirements: For 2026–27, the theme is “Oceans.” Poets may interpret the theme freely, and poems may be: However, the judges advise that works drifting too far from the theme will not be considered. This prize is designed for young writers and offers both financial recognition and publication in The Keats-Shelley Review and on the Keats-Shelley website. The theme-based format (“Oceans”) provides a clear creative focus, while the anonymity and originality requirements emphasize fairness and originality in submissions. For questions, the source provides an email address: [contact details removed]. The source also mentions an FAQ, but no specific FAQ link is included in the provided text. What is the theme for the 2026–27 Young Romantics Poetry Prize? The theme is “Oceans.” Entrants are invited to submit poems that respond to this theme. Who can enter the Young Romantics Poetry Prize? It is open to school-aged pupils aged 15–18 (UK School Years 11–13), or the international equivalent, with the age requirement based on 31 August 2026. Can I submit from outside the UK? Yes. Entries may be submitted from any part of the world, but the poem must be in English and submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format. How much is the prize money? The winner receives £700. Two highly commended entrants receive £300 each. What is the deadline to apply? The deadline is 10am (GMT) on Monday 1 February 2027. How do I submit my poem? The source states that all entries must be submitted via the website. The specific submission link is not provided in the text you shared. Are there rules about originality and AI use? Yes. Entries must be original and contemporary, and plagiarism will not be accepted, including AI-generated work. The poem must not have been published previously or previously submitted to the organizers. If you meet the age and school-year eligibility requirements and can submit an original, unpublished, English-language poem that fits the 30-line / single A4 page rule, review the official prize guidance on the Keats-Shelley website and follow the stated online submission process before the 10am (GMT) 1 February 2027 deadline.