Teaching through Poetry!

There’s something quietly powerful about seeing an idea grow from a spark into something that truly brings people together, and this week, that feeling is very real for us.

Bring on the next competition, we can’t wait to hear even more of these incredible voices.

We’re delighted to be publishing our Interfaith Week poetry anthology on our website, marking the culmination of a nine month journey that has been as enriching as it has been inspiring.

What began as a simple idea gradually unfolded into a full creative process: planning and promotion, receiving entries, judging, celebrating winners, and finally curating a collection that reflects the very best of what young people have to say about community, faith, and belonging.

When we first launched the competition as part of our Interfaith Week for Schools offer, we genuinely didn’t know what to expect. Would a handful of schools take part? Would the idea resonate? As it turned out, the response exceeded anything we had imagined. We received over 80 entries from schools across England, an incredible achievement and a testament to the enthusiasm and creativity of both students and teachers.

What made this even more special was the diversity of those taking part. While it was lovely to see familiar schools and regions we’ve worked with before, it was equally heartening to hear from so many new schools, places and communities we hadn’t previously connected with. Knowing that this project reached beyond our usual networks felt like a meaningful step forward, and a reminder of the appetite for opportunities like this.

On a personal note, this project has been a real highlight. Having joined the Faith & Belief Forum just over a year ago, I can honestly say this has been one of the most rewarding pieces of work I’ve been part of. From the first conversations to the final stages of pulling the anthology together, it’s been a joy to witness and to help shape something so positive. And the best part? We’re already looking ahead. I’m genuinely excited to begin the process all over again in the coming months.

Of course, no journey like this comes without its lessons. There are always things to refine, ideas to build on, and new possibilities to explore. But that’s all part of the process and it’s exactly what makes the prospect of the 2026 competition so exciting. Bigger, better, and even more inclusive, that’s the aim!

What stands out most, though, is the people behind it all. The dedication of school staff, who made space for this creativity to flourish, has been remarkable. And then there are the poems themselves.

They were, quite simply, awe inspiring.

Each piece offered a unique perspective, a different voice, a fresh take on what community means. Some were joyful, others reflective; some bold and experimental, others quietly profound. Together, they painted a rich and moving picture of how young people see the world around them and their place within it.

It’s no exaggeration to say that many of these poems will stay with us for a long time. Choosing winners was no easy task; there were so many deserving entries that captured something truly special. This anthology is not just a collection of poems, it’s a celebration of voices, ideas, and the power of creative expression to bring us closer together.

So here’s to the young poets, the supportive teachers, our judges and everyone who helped make this journey possible.

And as for what’s next?