Our Young City Poets Dazzle at the National Literacy Trust Away Day
On Thursday 12th February, a group of our exceptional student poets achieved something truly remarkable: they took centre stage at the National Literacy Trust’s annual Away Day and delivered performances that left an audience of more than 200 people utterly captivated.
Angelina, Natalia, Zizi and Alishba were invited to represent the Young City Poets project at the organisation's away day—a testament to the quality of their writing and the confidence they have developed throughout the programme. Their work stood proudly alongside the best examples of youth poetry in the country, and their performances demonstrated maturity, creativity, and courage well beyond their years.
Young City Poets is a highlight of our literacy calendar because it gives students the chance to discover their voice. Through creative writing lessons, a visit to an iconic London landmark, and a workshop with a professional poet, students learn to craft poetry that is personal, powerful, and deeply expressive. Many go on to be published in a national anthology or perform at St Paul’s Cathedral, but this year’s Away Day offered a new platform—and our students rose to the occasion brilliantly.
Their readings prompted laughter, gasps, and moments of thoughtful silence from the audience, who were visibly moved by the honesty and imagination in each poem. Several members of the National Literacy Trust team described the students’ section as one of the best they had ever seen, praising not only the quality of the writing but the confidence and composure shown on stage.
Comments included: “Everyone was absolutely bowled over by their talent… one of the favourite Away Day sections we’ve ever had.” and “The pupils did an amazing job… it felt like one of the best sections we’ve had at any Away Day.”
We are incredibly proud of our students. Their achievement is a shining example of what young people can accomplish when they are encouraged to express themselves and share their voices with the world.