The Junior Perpendicular Poetry Prize
The 2026 competition is now closed!
(But if you’re curious, these were the rules.)
This competition was intended for junior entrants, to help bring innovative and absurdist poetry to a younger audience.
Two Junior Prizes will be given out in the following age categories: 7-11 year olds, and 11-17 year olds.
Please write “JUNIOR ENTRY” in the subject line of your entry followed by your age.
Maximum length: One page.
If you are entering as a school, please complete the SCHOOL FORM and submit the form alongside your entries.
If you are entering by yourself, please get a parent/guardian to fill in the PERMISSION FORM and submit the form alongside your entry.
Closing date: April 23rd 2026
Age range: 7 - 17 years
IDEAS FOR YOUNG POETS:
Try found poetry - example
Try blackout poetry - example
Try visual poetry - examples
Look at poems like:
‘Jabberwocky’ by Lewis Carroll
‘On The Ning Nang Nong’ by Spike Milligan
‘No 115 Dreams’ by Jackie Kay
‘you me us’ by Bridget Bond
Resource packs with more poetry activities coming soon!
Or at: perpendicularpoems@gmail.com
The prize(s) will be awarded at a special event on Saturday, 6th June 2026 held at:
Brown Books, 77 High Town Rd, Luton LU2 0BW
Between 2pm and 4pm.