National Poetry Recitation Competition

The National Poetry Recitation Competition (NPRC) delivers a competition to develop and support inspiring poetry teaching in primary and secondary schools and motivate pupils and teachers to explore our rich literary heritage.

The supplier will curate an interactive, online anthology of poems, with accompanying information and context, covering 1,000 years of poetry and representing the best of our literacy heritage. Pupils in Key Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5 will select poems from the online anthology and recite these in school-based competitions. Schools then submit entries to be judged by an expert panel, and from these submissions finalists from each Key Stage are identified and invited to perform at regional finals and a national final. The supplier will also produce resources and deliver continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers to support the wider teaching of poetry, with the aim of improving teacher knowledge and confidence in the teaching of poetry.

The contract began 29th September 2022 and will run for one year until 31 August 2023 to continue to deliver the aims of the NPRC.

The Department, at its sole discretion, has the option to extend for up to two additional years on an annual basis, in multiples of its choice. Any such extension will be subject to the relevant Departmental approvals and notifications.