We are excited to invite your school to take part in the Junior Poet Identity Project: “My Barnsley & Identity”, a creative poetry challenge celebrating young voices and their connection to Barnsley.
Project Overview: Students are encouraged to write a poem that reflects their personal identity and connection to Barnsley – its places, people, heritage, dialect and memories. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore self-expression through creative writing.
Key Details:
- Who Can Join: All secondary schools in Barnsley
- Entries: Up to 3 poems per year group
- Deadline for Submission: March 23rd 2026
- Celebration Event: Spring 2026 (exact date and venue to be confirmed)
Each school is encouraged to nominate a pupil to read the poems aloud at the celebration event; they don’t have to be one of the poets just pupils who are confident to read aloud in public. The winning entries will be judged by a panel of judges and the winning poet will be awarded the title Junior Poet of 2026.
Here is an example of a poem about Barnsley by local poet Ian McMillan that may inspire your pupils:
The Barnsley Poem by Ian McMillan | Experience Barnsley (words) and The Barnsley Poem (video).
