The Great Poetry Escape
Poetry Contest | Ideal for 10-18
A different world is just a page away!
What if your students could escape the everyday and go anywhere their imaginations take them?
The Great Poetry Escape is a FREE poetry contest for middle and high school students, inviting them to explore the idea of escape through their own original poetry.
Whether it's leaving something behind, discovering somewhere new, or finding freedom in the things they love, the possibilities are endless!
Free to enter · Closing date: December 18, 2026
WHERE WILL THEIR WORDS TAKE THEM?
Poetry can take us anywhere. It can transport us to extraordinary places, help us leave something behind, or give us a way to express what matters most.
The Great Poetry Escape invites students to find their own meaning of escape and turn it into a poem that's entirely their own.
From funny and fantastical to thoughtful and powerful, every student can find an idea that speaks to them.
THREE WAYS TO ESCAPE...
Three simple starting points give students a way into the activity, while leaving plenty of room for imagination and personal expression.
ESCAPE FROM
What would you leave behind? The same old routine, other people's expectations, or something you'd change about the world?
ESCAPE TO
Where would you go? Another time, a distant planet, your dream destination, or a world that exists only in your imagination?
ESCAPE THROUGH
What takes you somewhere else? Music, books, gaming, sports, art, or something completely unexpected?
OR CREATE YOUR OWN ESCAPE!
These routes are starting points, not limits. Students can explore any interpretation, combine ideas, or take the concept somewhere completely unexpected.
Any perspective. Any poetic style. Their words, their escape.
FROM FIRST IDEA TO FINISHED POEM!
Our free student graphic organizer helps students explore their ideas before they start writing, with optional support for poetry styles and techniques.
CHOOSE YOUR ESCAPE
Choose to escape from, to, or through something, or create your own route.
EXPLORE YOUR IDEA
Think about the perspective, mood, and experiences that will bring the idea to life.
FIND YOUR POETIC VOICE
Choose a poetry style, experiment with techniques, or write freely in a way that suits the idea.
Students can write in any poetic style, explore any perspective, and express their ideas in their own way. The activity offers accessible starting points without restricting more confident writers.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET YOUR STUDENTS WRITING!
Our FREE, ready-to-use online resources make it simple to introduce The Great Poetry Escape and support students as they develop their poems.
How-to writing guides
Handy guides on how to create different poetry styles.
Student graphic organizer
Helps students explore their escape, find their voice, and develop ideas.
Poetic techniques
Optional support with different creative writing techniques.
Example poems
WHY TAKE PART?
FREE TO ENTER
No fees, just a fantastic opportunity for your students!
GET PUBLISHED
Give students the chance to see their poetry in a real book.
EASY & LOW-PREP
Free, ready-to-use resources make it simple to take part.
EXCITING PRIZES
Fantastic prizes up for grabs for students and schools!
REAL STUDENTS. REAL POETRY. PUBLISHED IN REAL BOOKS.
Imagine your students seeing their own poetry published in a real Young Writers book!
The Great Poetry Escape gives students the opportunity to share their creativity beyond the classroom and become published authors.
There are also some amazing prizes to be won!
STUDENT PRIZES
Three winning poets will each receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a trophy.
SCHOOL PRIZE
The winning school will receive the Young Writers' Award of Excellence.
WHERE WILL YOUR STUDENTS' WORDS TAKE THEM?
From escaping the everyday to discovering extraordinary new worlds, every student has a story to tell through poetry.
Give your students the freedom to explore their ideas, find their voice, and discover where their imagination can take them.
Free to enter. Ready-to-use resources to get your students writing.
Already completed your poems? Enter the contest →
