School Poet Laureates are the poetry heroes of their schools.
A brand new program launching in 2027, the School Poet Laureates supports schools across Australia to run their own programs that actively engage students in poetry.
Schools are invited to elect their own School Poet Laureates, who will champion poetry in their school communities by advocating for literacy and creativity.
Adaptable and curriculum-aligned, the School Poet Laureates program can be run within lessons or through after-school activities.
- Each Laureate selected by their schools will have their name published online by The Poetry Company and will receive opportunities to grow their poetic resume, including free online workshops.
- Creates an atmosphere where poetry is celebrated.
- Encourages young writers to spend time honing their craft.
- Increases teacher confidence in teaching and appraising poetry.
- Aligns with Australia’s appointment of the first National Poet Laureate.
- Sparks conversations about who speaks for a nation, and why poetry matters.
- Supports students to compose and share poems with their communities.
In early 2027, we will be launching the full (free) learning resource that equips schools to implement this program. Register your interest by filling out the form bellow.
To get you started, we've created a Mini Learning Resource that introduces the program.
For more information, please contact us.
Principal Program Partner
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Creative Australia
Founding Supporters
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Ades family foundation, mono
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McLean Foundation
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Oranges and Sardines
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Bret Walker AO SC
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The Abbott Foundation
The Abbott Foundation
Margie and Michael Arnott, Karen B, Ellie Beaumont and Tim Power, Gillian Corban, Alex Creece, Rosalind Dixon, Laurel L Hixon, Neroli Hobbins, Margret, Bobbi Mahlab AM, Jane and Richard Malcolmson, Kate and Peter Mason, SJM26, Ian Neil SC, Kate Richardson, Stephanie Roe, davida, Mark Wakely, and two generous anonymous donors
The School Poet Laureates Program is a joint initiative of The Poetry Company and AATE. It is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and by the New South Wales Government through Create NSW.