Poetry By Heart is a national poetry recitation competition and celebration for all schools in England. Now in its sixth year, Poetry By Heart is welcoming all pupils from Key Stage 2 upwards to get involved. By taking part, pupils find poems they love, learn them by heart and share them with others. This year there are options for individual and group recitations, and a new Poetry Celebration category to recognise any other ways you might want to adapt it in your school.  

Taking part is fun, simple and free. Start by registering to receive your free resource pack.

The competition starts in school and will lead to two prestigious national finals events in March. We are pleased to announce that the Primary Awards Ceremony will be held here at the National Poetry Library on Monday 23 March 2020. The Secondary National Finals event will be on the Southbank on Thursday 19 March 2020. Both events will be a fun-filled day of poetry sharing and celebration.

For your chance to be there, upload a video entry to the Individual Recitation category by Friday 28 February. Or get involved by entering the Poetry Celebration category by Monday 30 March.

Poetry By Heart is also a website with free resources for poetry teaching and learning for pupils aged 7+. 

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