The Poetry Society National Poetry Competition A project of The Poetry Society (see other related projects). About Established in 1978, the Poetry Society’s National Poetry Competition is one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious poetry contests. Winners include both established and emerging poets, and for many the prize has proved an important career milestone. Win, and add your name to a roll-call that includes the current UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Tony Harrison, Ruth Padel, Philip Gross and Jo Shapcott. The National Poetry Competition is organised by the Poetry Society, of Britain's most dynamic arts organisations, representing poetry both nationally and internationally. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee range is GBP £9 to £15 (below average to average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United Kingdom Established in 1978 Publication Media & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Slower The Poetry Society National Poetry Competition's overall average response time is slower than most contests. More ChallengingThe Poetry Society National Poetry Competition's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveThe Poetry Society National Poetry Competition's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Poetry Open Fee-based Dates:Open to poetry submissions through 31 October 2026 11:59 PM GMT Standard Time (in 43 days).6Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: Up to 40 lines; Up to 2 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment. Details: GBP £5,000 for first prize.Submissions:Method: Online form. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @poetrysociety.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @thepoetrysocietyLinkedIn LinkedInThreads @thepoetrysocietyX (Twitter) @poetrysociety Support this Publisher: Become a Member Make a Donation Shop their Store For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Poetry Society National Poetry Competition Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 25 reports from 22 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 18 min | 169.4 mean avg | 148.5 median | 276 max days (155.3 std dev) Responses 100.00 % Acceptances: 0.00 % No publication has a 0% acceptance rate. This data is based on submission reports sent to Duotrope, and we have not received reports of any acceptances yet. Rejections: 100.00 % (164.6 avg. days per rejection) | 4.0 % personal, 68.0 % form, 28.0 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals - Pending 7 responses are pending (2 min | 133.5 mean avg | 52.5 median | 337 max days waiting | 962.7 std dev) from 7 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The most common submission fee paid: GBP £8.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 14 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 27 Jul 2026. Date compiled: 17 Sep 2026 22:44 UTC (3 hours, 37 minutes ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsArtlyst Art to Poetry Award CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsThe Free Verse Prize Charges fees for all submissionsThe Poetry Review Charges fees for all submissions Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 09 Sep 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only