A Telford student is celebrating after reaching the finals of the inaugural National Young Poet Laureate competition.
Zoe Sniadecka is a Year 9 student at Hadley Learning Community, and her success places her among the most promising young writers in the country.
Director of Literacy Sandra Towers said Zoe competed against an exceptionally strong field of emerging poets from across the UK.
“Zoe impressed the judges throughout each stage of the competition with the originality, depth and emotional clarity of her writing.
“Although she was not ultimately selected as the national Young Poet Laureate, progressing to the final round of such a prestigious competition is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to her creativity, discipline and passion for poetry.”
As part of the competition experience, Zoe was invited to an exclusive poetry masterclass at the Library of Birmingham, where she worked alongside professional writers and fellow finalists to refine her craft.
She also had the opportunity to perform her work before a distinguished judging panel, which included UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
This special experience offered invaluable insight into the world of professional poetry and provided a platform for Zoe to showcase her voice on a national stage.
“Zoe’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, perseverance and a love of storytelling. Her success has brought pride to the entire HLC community, and we look forward to seeing how she continues to grow as a writer and leader,” said Sandra.
In recognition of her accomplishment and her contribution to the school’s creative community, Zoe will now begin a new position as HLC’s first Poet Laureate in the Autumn, serving throughout the 2026–27 academic year.
“In this new role, she will champion poetry across the school, support creative writing initiatives and inspire younger students to explore the power of language and self‑expression,” Sandra added.
