Poetry by Heart 2026

Talented students at Durham Sixth Form Centre have been taking part in an inspiring competition designed to encourage pupils in England to choose a poem, learn it by heart and perform it out loud.

Daniella Amaebite, Carys Lee and Caitlin Edwards were invited to perform their chosen poems, which they had learnt off by heart. Members of staff and family of students supported the event, along with last year’s winner, Charlie Liddell – who went on to win the national competition. He was able to offer insight and support encouraging the performers to feel confident about their entries into the national competition. All three students performed with enthusiasm and power, with first place being awarded to Daniella for her moving and authentic delivery of ‘Peach’ by DH Lawrence. All three students were presented with the Poetry by Heart anthology, and will be submitting their entries to the competition in the near future.

We share the excitement for Poetry by Heart with the former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, who says, “In ten years, Poetry By Heart has grown from strength to strength: since 2013 thousands of students have not only learned great poems for life but they have also shared them with friends and families in the inspiring and moving performances that are at the heart of every competition.”

We congratulate Daniella, Carys and Caitlin for their performances, and wish them good luck for the next step of the competition.