The world in my head

We are excited to invite you to take part in the first ever World in My Head competition. It’s a poetry competition with a difference! 

The World In My Head contest is open to all students with a SEN diagnosis in the UK, aged 5-17.

Students of all abilities can compose poetry using one of our fun, accessible prompts and visual aids, which you can find here.

Entry is completely free – so get your poem submitted via our online form before June 30th 2025 for a chance to win a £30 book voucher and publication in our anthology!

Please read the rules and instructions below before submitting!

FAQ

Who can submit an entry? 

Students who attend an SEN school, or are eligible to be at an SEN school, aged 5-18. Entrants must have their parent or guardian’s permission to enter. 

Do I need my parents or guardian’s permission? 

All entrants need the permission of their parents or guardians for them to enter, because of data protection rules. Permission is given on the submission form, which can be filled out online.

How do I submit an entry? 

You can use our online form here

Can I submit more than one poem? 

You may submit multiple poems, but please include them all in one document, and only fill out the entry form once.

What format should my entry be in?

Your entry should be in PDF, Word Document or Image (PNG or JPEG) format. Entries can be handwritten or typed. If uploading images of handwriting, please ensure that the handwriting is readable! 

How long can the poem be?

Maximum 30 lines per poem. 

What kind of poem can I submit? 

Entrants may use the prompts provided or submit a poem they have written themselves from scratch. 

Can someone help me write the poem? 

Teachers and guardians can provide support to entrants. For example, explaining the prompts and visual aids to entrants. However, poems must be the original work of the author.

Is the competition free? 

Yes, it’s completely free to enter. 

When is the deadline to submit? 

All entries must be submitted by midnight BST on June 30th, 2025.

How will poems be judged? 

Winning poems will be chosen by our panel of judges. 

What are the prizes? 

All winning and commended entries will be published in the anthology and will receive a copy of the anthology for themselves and their school. The top three winning poets will also receive £30 book vouchers!

What should I do if I’m having a problem submitting? 

Please contact us here.