TESTIMONIALS

If you would like to get in touch about your experiences on one of our courses please email [email protected] or leave us a Google Review.

‘One of the best workshops I have attended, and that was down mainly to Natalie’s teaching, enthusiasm, and ability to get the whole group discussing and involved. The subject matter was specific without being too narrow and incredibly valuable and well delivered. Natalie’s preparation and course materials were excellent and there isn’t a single thing I would have changed about this course. Based on my experience I would take a course delivered by the Poetry School again and I would not hesitate to attend a course led by Natalie. Excellent!’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

“I have gained more confidence in myself as a result of the courses I’ve done: in my poetry and my ability to marry visual art with my poetry too which is very exciting. The courses and tutors are world class.” – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘Poetry School offers the most-innovative and creative poetry workshops I’ve had the pleasure to attend. The tutors are world-class and the themes and topics varied and interesting. I have gained more confidence in myself as a result of the courses I’ve taken.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘The courses made me think about what poetry is, they’ve rekindled my interest in my practice and have been truly joyful experiences.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘The Poetry School offers an amazing, wonderful, high-calibre, professional, warm, and welcoming environment of tutors and peers in which my poetry and my appreciation of poetry have flourished I am forever grateful. I will be back for more classes!’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘Poetry School offers the most-innovative and creative poetry workshops I’ve had the pleasure to attend. The tutors are world-class and the themes and topics varied and interesting. I have gained more confidence in myself as a result of the courses I’ve taken.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘The quality of the tutoring was excellent, and the students’ feedback was of a high level.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘I liked the opportunity of being able to work at my own pace, within reason. The time scale for working on assignments and giving peer feedback was very well balanced.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘I am glad there is a place offering online poetry courses where one interacts with the tutor and other students. Poetry courses can be fun and make one think about things in a different way.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response’I first joined Poetry School when I was based in Asia, in a different time zone and was not part of any local learning or poetry community. Poetry School was truly a lifeline at that time and continues to be a major part of my poetry life. It’s fair to say that I have only succeeded in writing some half-way decent poetry because of Poetry School.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘To feel part of a writing community and to hear positive feedback has been encouraging and healing.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘Continuous development for poets at any level is essential and Poetry School courses provide invaluable opportunities to do this.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘Not only has it helped me to write better poems but it’s, importantly, taught me how to read poetry better.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘I find the feedback from the other students to be invaluable. And sharing my poetry with others has helped build my confidence.’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘The UK Poetry School offers an amazing, wonderful, high calibre, professional, warm and welcoming environment of tutors and peers in which my poetry and my appreciation of poetry have flourished. I am forever grateful. I will be back for more classes!’ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘Poetry School offers the most innovative and creative poetry workshops I’ve had the pleasure to attend. The tutors are world class and the themes and topics varied and interesting. ‘ – Summer 2023 Survey Response

‘The Poetry School gave me a real artistic space and community at a time when art and creativity felt very hard to access. I was an out of work actor, struggling to make ends meet financially. The Poetry School provided a bursary and support to help me take a class in poetry, which is and has always been a passion. I met new friends, learnt so much and thanks to The Poetry School, have been given access to educational classes with the help of their bursaries, scholarships and flexibility. I am now on the way to publishing my first pamphlet. This would never have been something realistically that felt achievable without access to The Poetry School. Poetry and the publishing industries are still notably white and middle class spaces. But organisations like The Poetry School help dismantle barriers to access for underrepresented writers like myself.’ – Summer 2021 Survey

‘As a student of the Poetry School I felt to be part of a like minded group. It enabled me to gage the standard of my own writing, and I believe my ability to write poetry has improved exponentially. I’ve always loved poetry and writing poems but never had the confidence to send many out into the world, the Poetry School course has fueled my passion and increased my confidence. I now enjoy sending my poems for publication or competitions, and writing poetry is a big part of my life and a huge and challenging joy.’ – Summer 2021 Survey

‘Poetry School has been an excellent route into poetry and I have become a better poet through workshops, assignments, wider reading and live chats. It’s great to collaborate with other poets and I have made valuable friendships and connections. I have written and published more poems and been place in competitions. There is such a vibrant community of tutors and poets and a wealth of new ideas and material at hand. All the courses are fresh, original and exciting.’ – Summer 2021 Survey

‘Coming to the Poetry School has changed my creative life by getting me to write poetry for the first time since I was a teenager, and giving me confidence in my writing abilities.  This has shaped a new sense of direction in my career in the sense that I now look forward to integrating my creative work with my scholarly work.’ – Summer 2021 Survey

‘It has been a truly enriching and therapeutic experience to reconnect with my creative side within a nourishing educational environment. I feel that a special community evolved within our class and that we will continue to support each other’s poetic efforts and to exchange ideas and information.’ – Summer 2021 Survey

‘The course this year has been transformational and I just wanted to say I think it is the best course I’ve ever been on. So I’m very grateful to Wayne and the Poetry School for this opportunity and for all the work you do.’ – Summer 2021 Survey

‘I began taking courses at the Poetry School after searching for online workshops when I was unemployed during the beginning of the pandemic. I live in the US, and I was thrilled to be able to take what would normally be in-person courses via Zoom; also, having the opportunity to take courses at reduced cost as someone under 30 made the decision much easier. I concentrated in poetry writing for my B.A. but I lost motivation to write and submit poems after graduating. Having the chance to return to and deepen my practice with instructors and peers who deeply engage with the work I’m doing has allowed me to grow immensely. In the advanced courses I have taken with the Poetry School, there has been an emphasis on play and risk-taking which has given me the confidence to change the way I write poems and engage with others’ work. I am so appreciative!’ – Summer 2021 Survey

‘Poetry School courses help to keep me on my toes as a poet and up to date with developments in poetry and ways of approaching it. A number of poems written as a result of attending courses have been published (so have others not written as a direct result but benefiting from ideas suggested by courses). I look on the courses as a way of keeping in touch with contemporary poetry’ -Spring 2021 survey

‘I have done seven Poetry School courses over the past three years. All have been online. All these courses have helped me to develop my poetry writing and have encouraged me to take writing more seriously. They have been very helpful in terms of helping me break through into publication in poetry magazines and they inspire me to keep going with my writing even when I feel I am losing my way with it.  I am always amazed by the passion for poetry shown by the tutors and fellow participants.  The courses are always conducted in an immensely supportive environment of mutual respect and they help build an international community of writers, transcending borders and boundaries. I plan to do many more Poetry School courses in the coming years.’ -Spring 2021 survey

‘I wish I had found the Poetry School much earlier, when I was struggling to write poetry in isolation.  Since I have since published several poems that were written for PS courses and improved by feedback from tutors and fellow students.’-Spring 2021 survey

‘I have had a huge number of poems published which I first wrote on Poetry School courses.’-Spring 2021 survey

‘It has completely changed and enhanced my life. The poetry school is wonderful, the staff and all the tutors. I wished I had joined it sooner but I have never looked back since doing so. It is brilliant. It has improved my writing a thousandfold. I feel I would have just remained stuck, wanting to improve but not knowing where to get it. I have met loads of lovely people, the staff are fantastic, very helpful and very patient, and the tutors are beyond wonderful. I think you could say I like it.’-Spring 2021 survey

‘It’s wonderful to be able to have conversations about poetry with other poets.’-Spring 2021 survey

‘Keeps my head above water during lockdown through connection with other students and the tutor.’-Spring 2021 survey

‘The course I took – along with another subsequent workshop I then attended on a separate topic – was incredibly helpful and encouraging. While I would have perhaps preferred Zoom or otherwise video call-based in-person group classes, as they may have provided more immediacy or personal connection, I found the live chat format of the course I attended (Surviving the Future) engaging and easy to follow.’-Spring 2021 survey

‘Especially during lockdown this has been a feature to help feel part of the community of poets and feel my work is part of the larger voice.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘I love the introductions to new ways of thinking ,the encouragement, the listening ears who receive my poems.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘The biggest strength for me is the cultural and international enrichment offered by being part of a large and varied poet community. The instructors are wonderful and workshops reasonably priced to make it affordable and exciting to learn and connect with others across the world.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘I was really excited about attending the course, as I hoped it would give focus to my writing and encourage me to dedicate time to it each week.  It did both of those things, and the assignments helped guide me towards writing about a subject (illness and healing) which I knew I wanted to write about, but was unsure how to approach.  I have written two poems that I’m really glad about.  The biggest surprise on the course was the amazing standard of writing and extremely perceptive feedback from the other students.  It was a truly shared experience and a great privilege.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘Poetry School is an inclusive, helpful and inspiring, and has given me structure and goals during a difficult time. The courses help me to broaden my perspective, and give me a wider grasp of poetry.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘This is the first time I have attended a course of this nature. It has been incredibly inspiring and very accessible. Having taken the first steps towards putting pen to paper in such a friendly and supportive environment I feel confident and able to continue along this path. Writing time has very quickly become a natural part of my daily routine.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘When I attended my first course at The Poetry School in 2018 with Richard Georges, I found a brochure for more courses and came across other resources from the discussion in class. It opened up the poetry community to me. The incredible curation of courses by experts in the field is a game-changer.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘Using one of the prompts Rachel Long gave me, I ended up writing a long form lyric poem that was shocking in so much as I had no idea that’s how I was feeling nor that I was capable of writing it. Or sharing it. It was an an exploration of my grief and trauma that I had needed to write for many years. It is now on its way to becoming a book length piece.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘This was a course like no other! It attracted highly talented artist/writers who were prepared to experiment in the most astounding ways. The focus was NOT on writing poems but on script and codes. I knew this but felt anxious that I did not have the visual/art skills to meet the brief – well, I don’t! Instead I enjoyed the liberation of thinking differently, being creative with the materials around me and learning from a diverse group. VVBT was very supportive, encouraged all innovation and made risk-taking non-scary. I shall take that creativity back into my poetry as well as the lovely sense of community that the group built up in their feedback. I think the ‘strangeness’ of this course acted to self-select those who would cope or flourish away from a sole emphasis on writing tasks – it was risky, and could have landed any ‘poetry only’ students in trouble. I think this text/ art strand could continue in other ways and draw in those who work across the arts rather than just the written word. I loved It !’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘A truly wonderful course. So much fruitful discussion and learnt loads. Thank you, Rachel and Poetry School.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘Rachel is such a fantastic teacher! I was a bit nervous about taking a fully online course but she made it feel like a proper course with her exercises and interaction. Please keep booking courses with her! 🙂 It was a bit disappointing that more people didn’t give feedback on all assignments – I understand this is very difficult to monitor or change, but I wonder if you could give it more prominence in your marketing of the studio courses? I didn’t realise how much time it would take to give feedback as part of the course. I did really enjoy doing this and I think it was great for my own poetry, but it was obvious that lots of people on the course didn’t expect to be doing this and didn’t have time to do it. It’s a bit dispiriting providing 19 in-depth feedback comments on other people’s poems and only getting 5 on your own!’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘The Poetry School has literally turned me into a poet – I couldn’t recommend them enough.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘I found it wonderful to think that this course provided a meeting point for so many different lives and views to come together through poetry. Having the overarching theme and excellent prompts was crucial to this and I know I really appreciated them.’ –Spring 2021 survey

‘Very supportive and motivating during lockdown. Thanks!’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘If I could give Fran a 10 instead of the maximum 5, I would. I have never seen a more prepared and engaged tutor. She would review endless redrafts and even other poems from outside the course. Exceptional tutor on every level. Would do any course run by Fran in the future, and this was definitely the general feel on the course – so please sign her up for more courses as soon as you can.’ – Spring 2021 survey

‘The PS courses have been crucial to me as I live in an area with no poetry community – from knowing absolutely ZERO about how to write a poem, I’ve had 20+ poems published in 3 countries and won 2 competitions. Thank you Poetry School!’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘It has been so important to me to feel part of a community of artists, especially during this Pandemic.’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘it’s just a very good way of writing more and better poems and meeting like-minded people’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘An absolutely first rate course pitched at a high level and with superb promos, lectures and materials.’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘I write more poems, get new approaches and insights, and gain confidence’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘My first course at the Poetry School (Queer Studio) gave me an incredible boost in confidence, helped my write better poems and gave me an opportunity to read at a poetry festival where I connected with many other poets.’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘Agnieszka as always is a very inspiring tutor, with stacks of ideas and an open mind. She gives very astute, detailed feedback and is not afraid of letting the group understand her expectations in terms of participation when needed.’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘Poetry School has certainly changed my life. I feel I am a member of a community of poets. The quality of feedbacks, both from the tutors and fellow students have been very high and helpful. Really love the website. The choice of courses offered is magnificent. I have attended 9 courses so far and aim to be a perpetual returning student.’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘This was my second Poetry School course and I found both highly enjoyable and inspiring. I’m about to start my 3rd. They have been particularly helpful during this time of the pandemic and various lockdowns. It may be that normally I would not have had the time to engage so fully with the courses.‘ – Spring 2021 survey

‘Fran is an absolutely outstanding tutor! So eloquent, incisive and thoughtful about poetry and ideas, totally dedicated, genuinely interested in each and every student, very generous with her time, positive, rigorous and nuanced in her feedback. She has this way of explaining things so you feel you are really getting to the heart of the matter, but she is always open to debate and indeed really encourages it. Just wonderful. The course material was brilliant – the lectures, poems, supplementary reading and assignments were all beautifully thought-through. It was a really stimulating, and rewarding experience. I’ve come away feeling stretched, supported, challenged and inspired! And I’m still thinking about issues and poems that we discussed. Fran is terrific, please do ask her to run more master classes!! Everyone else in the course seemed similarly exhilarated and impressed by it, so I think you might have a mini riot on your hands if there are no more Fran courses :0) Huge thanks to Fran and to the Poetry School!‘ – Spring 2021 survey

‘The Poetry School has profoundly changed my life, I have learned so much. I feel I am developing as a poet thanks to your brilliant courses. I have the feeling that the more courses I do the more excited I get about writing and the deeper my appreciation of poetry. Thank you! ‘ – Spring 2021 survey

‘The variety of courses available through the Poetry School is impressive as are the tutors who are not only first class poets but accessible and knowledgeable; consequently it is always worth keeping an eye on what is being offered. The courses are stimulating and get me writing again if I have stopped for any length of time. I enjoy trying out different forms in poetry, one reason why I have chosen this course on Sestinas and also gained so much from Mimi Khalvati’s ‘Versification’ course in 2015. Practical writing courses like this are rarely available elsewhere.’ – Spring 2021 survey

‘I loved the diversity in the workshops and the weaving of other disciplines into the courses, they also seem less heady, and more embodied and innovative than other schools and I could relate immediately to that.’ – Spring 2021 survey

‘I enjoyed the pace and rhythm of the Masterclass structure, found it very challenging but also with sufficient time to absorb and live with each week’s material. (plenty left over to keep me going as well..) Also good to be with a committed group of like-minded poets over a decent length of time.’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘Dr. Fran Lock is an excellent teacher. She seems to genuinely enjoy teaching and interacting with her students, and was very accessible to us throughout the course, answering every question and commenting on even the smallest posts, such as a post about a pet, or a student’s discussion about cut-up machines. I know that Dr. Lock had a move during the course, because she shared this with us, so I am not sure how she was able to maintain such focus on her students, and yet she did, flawlessly, never missing a step. She is extremely generous with her critiques, which are intelligent and useful and ones that I look forward to using whenever I decide to write about animals in the future. Her exercises are first rate. She offers plentiful information, plentiful examples, and she even posts videos. The videos that she posts are enjoyable, informative and inspirational. She is very pleasant to listen to, and so listening to her discuss the assignments helped me to feel connected to both teacher and lesson. (I actually feel like I met her in person, which is a lovely feeling.) Throughout the course, Dr. Lock went above and beyond in too many ways for me to list here, but as one example, she even critiqued student revisions for any student who wished to post them. Again, I’m not sure how she managed to find the time. My head spins thinking about it. I very much hope PoetrySchool will invite Dr. Fran Lock to return to teach more courses. PoetrySchool and its students would be extremely fortunate to have her return. I would be extremely fortunate to have her as a teacher again. She is a rare teacher.’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘I find these courses incredibly valuable. The classes and teachers are first rate, helpful and inspiring.    Those who facilitate and run and organize and manage this program clearly know what they are doing. My poetry and confidence as a writer continues to grow because of this school. And I must add, at this particular time, the PoetrySchool has given me something beautiful to wake up for each morning during the challenging time of the pandemic. I am very grateful.’  – Spring 2021 survey

‘I write better poems as a result of the school, feel more confident, and have a better knowledge of poetry in general.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘The instructor was very prepared and on top of the writing assignments being excellent, I enjoyed the extras reading material given to supplement our work, as well as the poem selections to aid us in our drafts.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘It’s a professional platform where I get the opportunity to interact with other poets who are in different stages of their craftsmanship. I like how some classes have a wonderful playful and experimental aspect.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘Poetry School provided a safe space for me to be inspired, to create and to share.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I so enjoyed being with a community of poets/writers in an international setting to expand my world.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘The Poetry School is such a great place to get access to poetry culture. I could not sustain myself without poetry school since I am very motivated to write by poetry school since I am busy working full-time and it is very easy to get lost what I should write on. It offers tremendous poetry resources and places to nurture people’s mind as well as creative writing skills, especially though online courses, all over the world!!! Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I’d never thought of myself as someone who could ‘really’ write poetry, though I am an experienced prose writer and had writen poems from time to time. Doing these two courses with the Poetry School gave me inspiration, support and a deadline each fortnight to write to, no excuses, and I surprised myself with how I was able to respond. I now have quite a few poems that I am proud to have written, and have entered some in poetry competitions. I am bursting with new ideas for future poetic adventures!’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘The assignments were mini-essays in themselves, giving all the information needed, but also providing a rabbit-hole of background reading alongside excellent, thought-provoking exercises. I’ll be coming back to this material a lot in the years to come.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘Keeping me linked to other poets, to expose myself to new poets and keep creative’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘It’s what keeps me afloat. 2 courses a year, Sometimes 3 or 4.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘The poetry school has been helping me to stay creatively productive during the horrific experience of a pandemic. I am grateful,’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘It’s increased my output and willingness to experiment and be bolder.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I did recommend Elena but I have to say she exceeded my expectations in every way. I already knew her to be a generous editor and a gifted poet but I had only done a one-day workshop with her in the past. I was stunned by the amount of master class feedback she offered every poet and every poem with great attention to craft. I generated several decent poems from this workshop, one of which is already accepted for publication in a good journal. The course was constructed with an overarching theme and then broken down into inspirational and elemental parts which really had me look at the subject in a whole new way. Each lesson was rich and well written with plenty of examples. In addition, she would post poems on the board relevant to the subject. I’ve never had such good care and attention in any workshop I’ve ever attended. I hope you will invite her to participate again as a tutor. I would love to take a masterclass under her. Thanks so much for all your good work keep us creating and motivated during these challenging times. ‘ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘This online short course has been a crutch aiding me through sudden unemployment in lockdown, while suffering debilitating ill-health post-Covid infection. It has helped me to not feel too demoralised by my health – giving me a challenging creative focus. It has given me the energy to explore new styles of writing. It has brought me happiness, experimenting with writing in a playful way outside of a physical community of poets (and largely cut off from my actual community of friends). Thank you!’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I found a whole new confidence in my poetry by being amongst a welcoming and committed group of writers. I took what I learned, ran with it and the poems it inspired were included in a portfolio I submitted to a university I will shortly be joining as a PhD student. It wasn’t the reason I joined the Poetry School, I joined because I love poetry, but it certainly gave me the confidence boost I needed to take that next step.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I had never done a workshop before, so I wasn’t sure what it would be like. This was a convenient and affordable way to try out the workshop system. The environment was very supportive. Having finished the course, I think that one of the best parts was getting to connect with people internationally. I was also really impressed with the quality of the writing other people produced.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘The Poetry School course gave me something to focus on and the motivation to connect with my passions at a low point in my life. It reminded me that there is always more to learn, and re-engaged my interest in poetry by introducing me to a community of poets online.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘Poetry school courses have offered me helpful structures and frameworks to develop my poetic practice.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘A light in the darkness of a challenging year. How wonderful to sit and write, read and comment on other writer’s work, open your creative horizons while the world closes down around you. For many of us this has been a life-line of hope, warmth and friendship.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I’ve produced work I don’t think I would have achieved without the courses.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I have taken Ps courses before but, during the pandemic, it has been a life saver. Also, the range of course subjects means that there is always something that would appeal to a poet. I like some of the more unusual course subjects.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘Hugely increased my confidence. Expanded my horizons. Challenged my assumptions about poetry. Gave me a sense of community.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘Peter (Hughes) is an outstanding tutor. His assignments are both interesting and challenging. His feedback is thorough and incredibly helpful. I highly recommend him.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘During a difficult period of lockdown and uncertainty, I enjoyed having the regular structure of assignments and feedback, and to feel that I was regularly giving my attention to something important and sustaining. I very much enjoyed Sophie Collins’s assignments and comments on the poems, and was only sorry that my busy schedule meant that I missed one or two!’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘Being able to focus on a whole course of multilingual gave me the confidence to highlight this aspect of my writing in a proposal for a PhD. Being able to discuss the history of multilingual poetry, give examples, and situate these against contemporary poetics has been immensely useful to me.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I have done at least 5 Poetry School courses now, over the last 6+ years, and the connections I have made with tutors and students have been an invaluable part of my poetry education. Feedback and encouragement from tutors has led to my submitting poems for prizes and publication, and I now have a debut pamphlet, a competition win and several placements in competitions under my belt, as well as a selection of poems in the forthcoming Carcanet anthology New Poetries VIII. As someone who didn’t study poetry formally at university, I have no doubt that I would not have got this far without the help and inspiration of the Poetry School’s courses. So thank you!’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘As a visual artist, I have wanted to experiment with words for a few years, and haven’t felt confident or skilled enough to do so… this course has completely changed that! I made poem- films during the course that I have already published. I also feel like I’ve found a supportive, insightful, skilled community of people with whom I can bounce ideas off in the future, and perhaps even collaborate with: we are thinking of doing some kind of group show of our works.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘The Poetry School has helped me to make long term connections with other poets. I’ve had great success with my poems created at Poetry School.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I did my first Poetry School course at the suggestion of my tutor after finishing my MA in Creative Writing. I wanted something that would challenge me academically and provide a supportive environment in which to learn and write. It was important that I could participate in a course online rather than having to travel a long distance. In the past 18 months the Poetry School has become a bit of a lifeline for me, as I’ve spent 6 months in hospital being treated for leukaemia, and the past 9 months recovering. Having work to focus on has given a structure to my days.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘The courses I’ve attended on the Poetry school have been inspirational and built up my confidence in the validity of my own work via the feedback opportunities and interaction with other poets in the learning environment (online live chats are particularly helpful in my case as I am deaf.) The tutors have been outstanding so far and their teaching methods, both supportive and challenging, have developed my own skills as a poet to a noticeable degree, leading to public readings and my first publication this year and hopefully more in future.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘I love the Poetry School, just when I’m feeling that I have nothing to say anymore, I go to the site and find a course which stimulates my imagination again. The social aspect is important too as everyone knows, being a poet can be a lonely business!.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘A superb course, which took me way beyond my comfort zone, in the most enjoyable, challenging and supportive way. Daisy tutored this brilliantly – very generous with her time, and genuinely engaged both with our poems and with our developing thinking about poetry.’ -Autumn  2020 survey

‘This tutor (Elżbieta Wójcik-Leese) went above and beyond expectations. Her assignments were wonderfully complex, with lots of room for exploring and diverging. Her critique was insightful, helpful, and detailed. She went out of her way to make sure people were participating and knew what to do. Her scholarship was impressive.’ -Autumn 2020 survey

‘Extremely valuable feedback from fellow students and Rachael. This was my first time taking a course programmed like this. I quite like it!’ -Autumn 2020 survey

‘This course really has changed my life! I feel much more enthused about reading and writing poetry than I did before. It has changed and deepened my understanding of the possibilities of poetry, and I feel more open to different types of writing. If it hadn’t been for lockdown I might not have signed up, but I loved it so much I have signed up for another course for Spring 2021. Thank you!’ -Autumn 2020 survey

‘I really enjoy Sascha’s desire to go into the strange and difficult places with poetry. I did her course on Death as well a while back & have gained confidence in both courses.’ -Autumn 2020 survey

‘I’ve done several courses at the Poetry School now and have found them so helpful. All the courses are high quality and having done several terms now I’m starting to make real connections with people (including joining a new feedback group) and feel much more connected with the poetry world. I also really value the concessions available and the fact it extends to under-30s!.’ -Autumn 2020 survey

‘I was so impressed at Daisy’s feedback – she was diligent and thoughtful, and had really taken the time to think deeply about everyone’s work. The assignments she set were brilliant – she gave fascinating reading suggestions and the writing tasks were really stimulating. The course pushed me to read lots of poets that were new to me, to think more deeply about poetry and its interactions with knowledge, and to be much more risk-taking in my own work. The other participants were wonderful too – the quality of the work submitted each fortnight was so high, and people were generous and perceptive in their feedback to each other. Basically, this course was fantastic.’ -Autumn 2020 survey

‘I have gained a whole new way of looking at the past in order to write.’ -Autumn 2020 survey

‘I appreciate Carrie’s knowledge of her subject and the many possibilities she offered not only for the class but for the future of prose writing. It is not an exaggeration to say, this course changed the way I think about writing and has not only salvaged my poem series project but has given new life to poems I thought could not be resurrected. Wonderful course and I will look forward to future course with Carrie. Thank you!’ -Summer 2020 survey

‘My experience of the Poetry School has been exciting and very stimulating. It’s great to work with people from other countries as well as poets from the UK. I’ve made some lovely new friends whose work I admire. The standard of Carrie Etter’s tuition and feedback was exceptional and I managed to get a poem from the course published before it had ended! I’ve learned new skills and improved my work and grown in confidence.’ -Summer 2020 survey

‘The Poetry School has been an enormously important bridge between poets and students and has facilitated not only wonderfully satisfying personal development but also community development through the warmth and strength of its tutors. Every course I have undertaken has seen a development in my own poetry, which I then like to think feeds my appetite to contribute to the arts more widely. For example, I became a trustee of the Winchester Poetry Festival and helped run open-mic sessions, partly with the confidence fostered by the Poetry School courses. As a teacher I have also found the process of task setting, feedback and improvement a very interesting insight into my own pedagogy.’ -Summer 2020 survey

‘I am about to publish my second collection and this and my first collection owe a huge amount to the tutoring and peer support I have experienced through the poetry school.’ -Summer 2020 survey

‘I have got work published in magazines, have done readings at festivals. Have come second in a prestigious competition. While little of this is PS stuff as such, the PS has always been there as a supportive base and keeps me ticking over and getting my work looked at in seminars and on online courses.’ -Summer 2020 survey

‘It (Poetry School) has enlivened my life for years, It has given me the opportunity to write different poetry with every course. I would hate to be without it.’ -Summer 2020 survey

‘It has given me confidence and connectedness with the writing community. It has helped my mental health during the CV-19 lockdowns.’-Summer 2020 survey

‘Writing better poems, becoming used to getting feedback, getting inspiration and motivation, exploring new ways of reading and writing poems, staying in touch and meeting poets worldwide. As I am not a native speaker of English the Poetry School offers challenging and inspiring ways of keeping my knowledge of English alive! One course per term has become a part of my life.’ -Summer 2020 survey response

‘I have always loved poetry, but the Poetry School reminded me of why I love it, and made me feel excited and positive about poetry all over again. It took me outside myself and helped me to look at the wider world, and explore how poetry can make a genuine difference to how we look at our lives.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘Poetry School has been so brilliant for me. This has been the first poetry course I’ve done, and the first time I’ve shared my work with anyone. I admit I was very nervous to begin with. Everyone in the group has been a massive support, providing such thorough, considered and constructive feedback, as well as helping me to realise that I am a poet, and part of a great community of talent. I’ve found myself trying new approaches to subject, form, rhythm and language, and surprising myself on a number of occasions. I’m actually quite emotional now it is over. I can’t help but reflect on how great it’s been for me, personally. I’ve found more room for poetry (writing and reading it) in my life, have had the chance to meet some amazing poets, and I have the fire in me now to refine my work and start thinking about what comes next.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I return to Poetry School courses again and again because they are so accessible online. The tutors are published poets who prepare excellent resources and original prompts. You meet new people, share ideas and write more and better poems. There is always something different to explore and to learn.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I have so rarely been able to meet with other queer poets, and it has been so affirming to meet new friends on this course. I have been astounded by the open-heartedness, generosity and fine-eye given to my poems, and it has inspired me to push boundaries. As a fellow poet on the course said to another: ” hope this experience gives you belief in your own work and the value of risking putting your poetry out there.” I certainly do!’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I feel that this class helped me to find my voice. A rare gift.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I have never written poetry before and have always wanted to. This course gave me the confidence to start. I will continue now for certain.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I’ve had two poems I wrote on PS international online courses published.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘The Poetry School has helped me to believe in myself. Although I only started writing poetry seriously in my eighties, I have felt warmly included in a community of poets.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I am building confidence to submit my poetry again. Even though I previously completed an online MA Creative Writing I never felt that the writing I was producing was as relevant to current conversations and movements in poetry as the ones I’m writing now. Tutors include assignment material by contemporary, diverse poets, the work that is produced by other students in the group inspires me to do more in my own work. I have not published an poetry in thirteen years, and after first studying with Poetry School in January I have since had two poems published in online publications.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I am living in Japan but the Poetry School always reveals me boundless fresh horizons, whether physically, intellectually or mentally.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I have been enriched beyond measure by my learning from translating, transreading and generally exploring new ways of writing.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘Given me the confidence to try out new ways of writing.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘The Poetry School courses have kept me a bit more sane through the COVID-19 experience to date. I live in rural South Lanarkshire with limited connection to any other poets locally, so the Poetry School is great in providing me with a sense of “community”. The quality of teaching, materials and feedback from students and tutors alike is second to none in my experience.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘Having critical feedback from and being able to share work in progress with peers, many who were accomplished poets, has been critical in helping me to think about and extend my own work.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I feel part of a community, this is very important to me.’  – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I have been enriched beyond measure by my learning from translating, transreading and generally exploring new ways of writing.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I can honestly say I would not be a published poet now if it were not for the Poetry School with its combination of skilled tutors and a supportive and nurturing environment.’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘I always enjoy the Poetry School courses and the high standard when it comes to the teachers. I enjoy every course, love the topics and already signed up for several courses in autumn. (This time two Zoom Courses and one Online-Course).’ – Summer 2020 survey response

‘Poetry School … is always a beautiful occasion to write a little bit longer on one poem.’ -Summer 2020 survey response

‘Since I’m an ‘international student’ who cannot easily attend poetry workshops (either in my country of residence or in the UK, as I visit only 2-3 times a year), online courses offered by the Poetry School are invaluable: they allow me to participate in the poetry community where I hope I belong, both as a writer and as a reader. They educate, inspire, motivate.’ -Summer 2020 survey response

‘As I don’t live in London or in a city I very much appreciate the opportunity to use a facility open to anyone around the world’ -Summer 2020 survey response

‘I have written a testimonial in the past about face-to-face courses. This time I think what is great about the on-line courses is that they keep me writing, even during the times when I can’t get to a face-to-face course. I get useful feedback from some excellent poets (including fellow students) and I am pushed out of my comfort zone by the assignments.’ -Summer 2020 survey response

‘Poetry School has literally been a lifeline for me. As a writer in a rural community without any writers groups in my area, it’s helped create a sense of community for me by putting me in touch with others with similar interests.’ -Summer 2020 survey response

‘The online classes are a great way of getting development for those of us who rurally isolated. The standard of teaching and commenting is very good.’  -Summer 2020 survey response

‘A Poetry School course is one of the best ways I know to develop your poetry. It is also extremely good value for money.’-Summer 2020 survey response

‘The Poetry School has been an incredible discovery for me – I have attended free workshops and ongoing courses, both of which have been fantastic. The courses I’ve attended have been instrumental in opening up the horizons of what I can write, and have introduced me to many brilliant contemporary poets. Because of the Poetry School’s affordable prices, I have been able to return for multiple terms and am excited about the prospect of continuing to develop my craft through more courses in future.’ – Autumn 2019 survey response

‘The first term of the course has been brilliant. It’s really expanded my understanding of contemporary poetry, and the toolkit available to me in writing my own work. Alongside valuable feedback from the tutor, the standard of the group is brilliant; I have particularly appreciated the insights of other students, and the quality of discussion and engagement. I’ve found the expertise and knowledge in the room intimidating some of the time (I can feel my brain stretching!) but Wayne has been great at encouraging everyone to participate, which I hugely appreciate. I’ve enjoyed discovering contemporary poets I wasn’t previously aware of, both within the workshops and in the handouts to take home.’ – Autumn 2019 survey response

‘This was a truly excellent course. Rebecca [Gethin] was very well prepared, very inclusive and extraordinarily adept at unleashing terrific poetry from the whole group. I think we were all pretty stunned at what each of us had been able to produce. Many thanks to the Poetry School as well as to Rebecca. Same again, please!’ – Autumn 2019 survey response

‘Mark [Ford] was brilliantly well-informed but also able to tailor his knowledge to us, his audience. I learned a huge amount and have returned to my notes several times since. I also felt inspired and empowered to write my own dramatic monologues.’ – Autumn 2019 survey response

‘The tutor, Richard Price, created a supportive and stimulating atmosphere which helped to gell an excellent group of various talents. I learned a tremendous amount about current developments in poetry and also about my own development. The critiquing sessions were well balanced and there was equitable sharing of time. This group has an exciting and stimulating feel about it, which is quite unusual and to be valued. The course leader was instrumental in generating this.’ – Autumn 2019 survey response

‘Brilliant atmosphere, productive and constructive environment. Very good tutor.’ – Autumn 2019 survey response

‘I just wanted to say thank you for the Poetry School workshop you ran yesterday. I wasn’t sure whether to go as I hadn’t been feeling well and it’s a bit of a trek from Sheffield, but in many ways it was the best poetry experience I’ve had in a long while…This was the first event I’ve been to in a long time where I felt challenged, uncomfortable, unsure of what was coming next, and came away wanting to write more. I think this is a reflection of [Gregory Pardlo’s] gifts as a teacher and a poet, and I’m grateful [he was] able to share them with us. Even after a four-hour journey home on a train full of drunken football fans, I’m still glad I went and looking forward to seeing what work comes out of it.’ – Autumn 2019 survey response

‘I wish to express my thanks, admiration and appreciation for the course with Becky Varley-Winter. Becky is a brilliant facilitator, teacher and group leader. She is friendly, very knowledgeable and gives insightful and helpful feedback. Her handouts and comments thereon were varied, fascinating and inspiring. Altogether an inspired choice of teacher and inspiring course. I have written three poems I am happy with in five weeks, and been introduced to many interesting poets I would not normally have come across whom I will follow up. Thanks are also due to the Poetry School for the concessionary price of the course which enabled me to attend it.’ Autumn 2019 Feedback

‘I felt Helen was really strong on knowing when to step in and provide her expert knowledge, and when to allow the conversation to keep going so that students sparked ideas between each other, and for their own writing and longer projects. An amazing balance to find! I was really impressed with her distribution of time as well – we were always able to read poems, write poems and discuss poems and it never felt like there was a particularly weighting on one over the other. I think this also inspired many to continue work outside the course – which Helen actively encouraged. She also brought an interesting mix of work from contemporary poetry to older poems which sparked a lot of debate. I only wish the course had been longer!’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I really enjoyed Shazea’s programme, she led the group well, and was pertinent and probing of works throughout the course. She was keen to include the whole group, and created a positive dynamic. I would definitely book another course with Shazea again, and the content she selected was inspiring and helpful in my exploration of poetry.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Meryl is a terrific tutor. She introduced us to lots of different types of poetry, she devised great activities to stimulate our creativity and she encouraged us gently to become writers and constructive critics of one another’s work.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘It was a very enjoyable and stimulating course and Isabel was an excellent tutor.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I had such a fantastic experience on First Encounters. Meryl created a course and classroom that was inspiring, supportive and engaging. Every lesson I came away with something else to think about and work on. I love poetry more than ever because of this course.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Tim Dooley is an excellent tutor, well prepared, very knowledgeable, patient and amusing. We have all enjoyed his classes very much and some excellent poems have been produced by everyone. This month I have had three poems, worked on in his class, accepted by The London Magazine.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Totally brilliant best course at the poetry school I have done!’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I am so impressed by the quality and course delivery of Jacqueline Saphra’s courses. I have attended these for 3 years now and my poetry and appreciation and knowledge of other poets and different poetic styles has improved a great deal. I am so thankful to The Poetry School and Jacqueline for my enjoyment, improvement and meeting other such interesting poets.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘A brilliant course. Kathryn is a great tutor.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘It has been a very positive experience. Kathryn Maris is very professional, supportive and friendly.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘This is the best course I have attended at the Poetry School. The tutor was by far the best.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I really enjoyed this course, and learned a lot. Wayne had some excellent insights to offer on poetry generally and in the form of specific feedback. He is clearly both hugely talented and knowledgable, and brought in some great contemporary poems for us to read and discuss. I would be keen to attend more of his classes.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Will Harris is very inspiring & this course broadened the range of reading I will be undertaking.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Will’s selection of readings & exercises was fabulous— eclectic and stimulating.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Jaqueline is not only an excellent teacher, she is a gifted facilitator who brings the best out in all of us.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Generally an excellent tutor involving all the group. Good introduction to new poetry.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Great course wealth of material and well structured. I would like to participate in future courses with these tutors.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘A really excellent day about a highly emotional subject. Denise Saul was incredibly skilled and sensitive in managing this emotional power and helping us direct it towards our poetry. The writing tasks were thoughtful and productive and enhanced by a terrific choice of other poetry in this area. It was also so valuable to have the opportunity to consider the ethics of writing about the giving and receiving of care and whose story it is that we tell. Denise’s expertise and knowledge was superb. I finished the day wanting more opportunity to think and write about this area, in such a supportive, safe and small group. I hope there could be a longer course st some point in the future.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Ros is a brilliant critic: sensitive, quick, and clearly experienced at giving feedback. Her group is hospitable and attracts high-quality poets to it, making the experience of reading and feedback within the group most helpful indeed. Since attending, I’ve won or been placed in three competitions, thanks mainly to Ros.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘This was my first ever poetry school course and I thought it was excellent. Richard was a brilliant tutor and the pitch and pace of the workshops felt just right. He had planned the course very effectively and was lovely to everyone. Fabulous! Thank you 😊
Excellent tutor fun activities and discussion. Useful exercises’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Really excellently prepared and delivered course. Tamar Yoseloff is an exceptional tutor. More reading courses. Please!’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Jacqui is brilliant! She values everyones contribution and at the same time makes sure that no one dominates the discussion. Her timing is great a natural teacher.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘There is a very good chemistry in the class. Feedback is always constructive. Mark makes everyone feel welcome and also brings in poetry from an interesting range of poets.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘This could be a 10 week course. Very necessary course, could simplify the technical parts a little more though there was some resistance to too much technical stuff. Great application of technical material to poems. Tutor very responsive and respectful.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Just fantastic. I found Fiona’s choice of poems, and her writing exercises so inspiring.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Meryl is just the tutor a new poet would want. Her lessons are always interesting and informative. We are challenged yet also encouraged. She is helping us to analyse poems, partly by work-shopping each others work. She has created a ‘safe space’ for petrified poets like myself! I have been on other days/courses, so I have been able to compare – and she is the best!’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘A day full of creative activity led by a friendly, expert tutor. I particularly liked the emphasis on triggering new thoughts and approaches to writing and the way that saving a read round until the end of the day allowed things to flow easily and for more writing ideas to take shape.
This course was very good. The other students were very experienced, which helped, and the course leader shared her own experience with us using constant exercises, sometimes in collaboration but not necessarily for feedback. She effectively communicated her own approach to form which is what we all wanted from her.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I’m a long-time fan of Kathryn’s courses. She continually encourages her students to move their work in new directions, and provides a quality of scrutiny and feedback I’ve not encountered elsewhere. I enjoy the “set text” dimension of the course, and the value brought to the classes by the special guests.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Kathryn Maris is an outstanding tutor.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Being in Kathryn’s workshop for the full year definitely upped my game; I read more widely and experimented more in my own work.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Really enriching discussions and thought-provoking special guests, too.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Kathryn Maris is a truly excellent teacher!’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School gave me the community I needed, both to share my work, and feel connected to other poets.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Gained a sense of symbiotic purpose in using my experiences to help others, and grow in return by being able to attend a course focused on my interests in carers, health and wellbeing.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I have engaged with Poets I would never have come across on my own. It has engaged me with a deeper appreciation for the work of others and my own work. The work of the poetry school has given me a lot more confidence as a writer.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I am 87 now but have not found my age in any way a handicap in the classes and I continue to make newfriends. My 5th collection was published in April and has already been reprinted. Many of the poems in it were produced in Poetry School classes.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Brilliant place to learn’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The quality of teaching and course material has impacted positively on my poetry.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Wednesday afternoon classes punctuate the week! the class makes me write and be more disciplined.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Being in a weekly class that lasts for the whole term makes a huge difference to how regularly I write, having that structure is very important to me.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Wonderful to have the chance to meet and be taught by master poets at the Poetry School, such as Ilya Kaminsky, great way to get inspiration, new ideas and raise the level of my poetry.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School course I attended was a wonderful opportunity to develop my poetry writing. I came out of it feeling much more confident about my ability to assess the quality of my own work-in-progress, equipped to write better poems, and inspired to expand my poetry reading in new directions.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘It helped me become jerwood/arvon mentee’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I had no idea that my first Poetry School course 8 years ago would be the start of a lifelong journey for me—one that now includes an MA, a competition win, various long-listings, and publication. I keep coming back to PS because of the range of inspiring tutors & courses and because of the lovely sense of community.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Feel part of poetry community and gained great friends. Even more obsessed with poetry.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I am thrilled to be part of a community of poets. The Poetry School has given me back a part of myself that I had forgotten. It has brought back my creative side.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I am much more confident with my poetry’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I appreciate the broad range of courses (subject matter, tutors, and duration) that run throughout the year. Having access to the Poetry School is invaluable to my learning, the development of my craft, and my connection to the community.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School gives me the opportunity to develop and extend my poetry practice in an inclusive environment
I was almost new to poetry when I came to my first class in 2016 . I had never had a poem published was pleased to be accepted into Kathryns class but generally am not a confident poet. I have become more confident, largely because the workshop was structured to make us write and share our writing! I have loved getting to know other poets – again, tentatively at first but increasingly enthusiastically. I have become a bolder writer; feeling able to put more of myself into my poems, and finding a more personal voice whilst also developing my skills and technique, particular in writing poems which leave more space for the reader’s imagination. It has also transformed my reading of poetry, introducing me to new and extraordinary poetry voices’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Since attending Ros Barber’s Saturday Sessions this year, I have grown in skill and confidence as a poet. When I began, I was very nervous about getting critical feedback and knowing how to act on it to make my poems better. Now, I am submitting to publications and competitions and enjoying some success. I believe the sessions have been the best thing I’ve done as a new poet to improve my craft.
Poetry School creates a unique and creative space where you can develop as a writer and where you reflect on your own work and that of others’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I love coming to the Poetry school. The standard is so high that it is very stimulating and motivating.We all learn from each other.
Poetry School is really helping me to feel a part of a community of committed and supportive poets and this is invaluable to my development as a writer.’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The course that I took online through The Poetry School took my writing to a significantly higher level of quality and depth. The instructor set the stage for an excellent course with thoughtful and challenging assignments. Her feedback was invaluable, as was that of other students in the course.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘There is no poetry community where i live, but these courses have given me access to a busy, responsive, energetic and generous community which has completely changed my writing life in a multitude of wonderful ways.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Poetry School has encouraged me to keep learning and trying things out. I feel I have written more interesting poems as a result of Poetry School courses and being elderly it has helped to keep me in touch with a younger generation of poets with new approaches’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The online courses have been invaluable in giving me access to first-rate tutors and feedback, and have given me the confidence to submit some of my poems for competitions and publications for the first time. One of the poems written as part of a Poetry School course won first prize in a competition last year, and another was included in a magazine. The themes of the online courses are always surprising, inspiring, innovative, and exciting, and have given me many ideas of ways in which to develop my writing on different topics’  – Summer 2019 survey response

‘This site is a wonderful place for poets to get together from all over the world. The UK is so lucky to have such a society. Australia is a poor place for the quality of tuition in poetry, despite all the writing Societies all over the different states we have here. I urge anyone who is interested to take part in this tremendous resource.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘A great course, such as Hakimi Zapata’s, has rippling effects. Anytime one can be stimulated to learn and create more makes for a good and lasting experience.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I really like the structure of the course. Having a week to write a piece, then a week to reply injects a bit of sanity in the on-line environment. Other on-line experiences usually have very little time for feedback until we’re on to the next assignment. Also, I appreciate the way our tutor assigned critique to two poets so that each poet would have two responsive critiques and one from the instructor. In this way, we weren’t all trying to comment on one another’s work. If that happened, it happened organically.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I did this course at the same time (more or less) as another. I came to the courses on the recommendation of one of my MA tutors as a way to continue structured learning and writing whilst I decide whether or not to do a PhD. I am very impressed with the high standard of the courses and am planning to sign up for more in the next academic year.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School programmes such thoughtful and unusual courses and enables poets to feel validated, to become more curious, more skilled, more engaged in poetry and the world’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School shows a blue sky approach to what it considers poetry. I have benefitted from this immensely by being made aware of possibilities in my practice that I didn’t even know existed before. It can only be a great force in stimulating difference and experiment.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School has given me an opportunity to continue writing, and challenging me at the same time. I appreciate the opportunity to work with other poets, and have published poets as instructors. I have found the internet experience at The Poetry School, given the size of each class, to be rewarding, as rewarding as taking a class in person, face to face. I’m grateful that I can take these classes online.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Poetry School has been pivotal in my work over the years, both face to face and on-line courses. I have gained enormous confidence sharing my work with critical peers, and the high level of tutor interaction and encouragement has been invaluable. I have made so many good friends, all with the same level of commitment to writing better poems, I recommend it to all my other poetry colleagues without hesitation. Very friendly and helpful technical support staff!’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School courses gave me very valuable access to tutors and a community of poets. I never had prior experience of such a supportive setting for doing creative work. There is a sense of trust that feedback from both tutors and students will be helpful and honest.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I really enjoy being part of a community of poets, and the courses give me an opportunity to have a poetry practice.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘The courses are stimulating and great for extending the range of one’s reading and writing. They’re refreshing and the process of giving and receiving feedback is useful.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘It keeps me current with developments in the poetry world and gives access to great tutors and practitioners – the really wide range of courses covered is excellent. It’s when you meet people who don’t access the poetry school opportunities that you notice how much of an advantage it is.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Before taking this course, I was doing language experiments in my poetry, but this course opened up a whole new world for me. The course was a catalyst that propelled my poetry ahead by about 5 years. Other poets where I live really appreciated the five poems I wrote for this course. The teacher gave us resources that we can continually delve into. I plan to continue studying at The Poetry School.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I’m so glad I applied for this online course and have recommended the Poetry School to other poets in my local group. The structure and content of the course pushed me to put time aside to properly focus on my writing, helped me to develop my poetry in new directions, and also improved my techniques of fine-tuning early drafts through the positive constructive feedback we all shared as a group.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Poetry School has given me the opportunity to share work with skilled and interested poets. There is no local poetry group close to where I live, so this has been a fantastic opportunity. The tutor (Carrie Etter) was enthusiastic and encouraging throughout the course – clearly an expert in the genre of prose poetry and a lover of poetry. Her enthusiasm was infectious.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I’m a member of a local Poetry School workshop that meets monthly – it has transformed my writing, my knowledge and my confidence and given me a community of fellow poets to share work with. Joining is one of the best things I’ve done!’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘I feel part of a strong and supportive community.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘Poetry School has encouraged me to keep learning and trying things out. I feel I have written more interesting poems as a result of Poetry School courses and being elderly it has helped to keep me in touch with a younger generation of poets with new approaches.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘It’s difficult to connect with quality poetry classes where I live, and I welcome the creativity and breadth of offering that PS offers.’ – Summer 2019 survey response

‘It has made me much more ambitious in terms of what I write, and it has made me feel part of a community, which is very important to me.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘I resolved to do something that terrified me in 2019, take poetry out of the privacy of my room and talk to others about it. I was really apprehensive about attending the workshop, but I found the teacher really understanding, the session broke down some of my trepidation. My whole life I have been nervous to talk to others about poetry for fear of judgement, so it was a unique opportunity to speak to other people who are curious about poetry too. I came away buzzing with energy and feeling empowered.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘The Write Ahead workshop demystified what might happen on a poetry course. I would now consider investing in a poetry course. Thanks!’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘I never realised I was ‘passionate about words’ before until our tutor described us, our group, as ‘obviously’ like this. It was a lightbulb moment!’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘For me, the Poetry School, has been a truly rewarding and significant discovery, and I only regret not doing a course sooner. It provides a place of community and learning that I think is essential, and I would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in poetry.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘Living in France I feel somewhat isolated from the poetry community, and it was great to be in touch with writers from other parts of the world.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School courses well-designed, well-run and incredibly good value for money. The tutors are published poets and are fully engaged with contemporary poetry. A good student group is a bonus. I have taken five courses and feel that my work has improved with each one.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘Excellent on line courses … I am home bound due to unfortunate circumstances … the online courses are a life saver. Thank you.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘Initially I felt very anxious about attending an event at the Poetry School as I was uncertain whether my writing was good enough. However…every single event I’ve done (in person and online) has made me feel welcome and part of a community of poets. Writing by its very nature is an isolated experience, but it has been wonderful to share and receive feedback from others. Everyone is so supportive of each other.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘The quality of your workshop facilitators is second-to-none.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘For me, the Poetry School, has been a truly rewarding and significant discovery, and I only regret not doing a course sooner. It provides a place of community and learning that I think is essential, and I would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in poetry.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘The course comes at a reasonable rate. This makes it so much easier to get access in the first place. I called the school and was talked through the different options. It was so nice to have a chat with someone about what I was looking for. I really felt how supportive the environment would be. Once in through that door in that beautiful, relaxed environment the world of poetry just opened up and now I’ve signed up for another term, been to a one day long workshop and can’t get enough of the place. After just one term it’s already brought so much into my life. For twenty years I have been a novelist. Now all I can think about is writing poems. It’s wonderfully liberating and I’m so glad I took that first step of making the call. Thank you!’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘Totally love it and recommend it widely!’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School has changed my life. It’s given me a network of other word-geeks and showed me that poetry is a team sport, and one that brings people together.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘I have taken a few courses at the Poetry School and have been impressed on each occasion at the knowledge, artistry and professionalism of the tutors. I have learned a lot about poetry and have also been inspired to experiment in my work.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘I have been attending courses for the last five years. It is an affordable and accessible way to develop my writing and I always learn a lot from tutors and participants. The courses have enriched my retirement and made me feel I still have a lot to offer.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘The Poetry School has transformed me from feeling like someone skirting the suburbs of poetry to being someone living right in its vibrant metropolis.’ – Spring 2019 survey response

‘I am really learning every day from the Poetry School – every assignment, every tutor, every other student teaches me something new, small or profound. Joining the School is undoubtedly the best thing I ever did for my writing’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘I knew next to nothing about writing or reading poetry when I enrolled for my first Poetry School course – since then I have learned SO MUCH, had work accepted for publication and gained so much creative confidence. As an older student, these courses have really got my brain and creativity working again. I am completely hooked now!’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘Poetry School is invaluable. I have M.E. which means traditional writer’s groups are inaccessible for me. Being able to be part of a community online, being able to learn from such excellent tutors and having the opportunity to learn alongside others is wonderful. It’s given me back some confidence both in writing, and on a wider scale.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘I’d have to say the biggest thing for me is collaborating with poets around the world. It’s amazing to hear the different voices and work together with people on creating beautiful poetry.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘I’ve become a regular student of Poetry School. The regular assignment help me to maintain a regular writing habit and I have had made some really valuable connections via the courses I’ve done.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘This has been one of the best courses I have done at Poetry School, which is saying a lot because they have all been good. Ela’s commitment to the course and to students via feedback and interaction was outstanding.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘Caleb put a HUGE amount of effort into preparing a complex and interesting portfolio and great assignments. He was always very accessible online.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘This was an excellent class. The readings, prompts & material were excellent. The teacher was exemplary & well-versed in instruction & feedback. Would take another class with Zeina in a heartbeat. It was a great learning experience.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘Though this was a sensitive subject matter, it was handled with a very thoughtful tone, and form of organization. This has given me a great deal to think about as far as presentation for my writing.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘The preparatory material was outstanding – a thorough, non-patronising grounding in some basics, and an eclectic and genuinely exciting array of sources / points of reference. I’m going to be rereading those worksheets. The assignments were challenging, closely focused on poetic technique, and well-structured – each building on the previous piece of work. A very tightly-knit, well-designed course.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘I have become more confident in sharing my work, but also more able to accept criticism and to criticise my poetry.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘Poetry School courses push me into writing more and stretch my ideas.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘Doing an online course has helped me focus more on my poetry and tap into the wealth of skill and expertise that exists out there.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘I’m a published poet. The Poetry School opens up new territories for my writing, challenges me when I feel stale and puts me in touch with the creativity of others. It gives me a wider community to draw on.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘As someone living abroad in a non-English-speaking environment, it has helped me connect more with English-language poetry and with people who share a love of it.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘Poetry School has helped me feel I form part of a wonderful community. I am a full-time carer for a last stage cancer patient, he is my partner, which makes it impossible for me to leave the house, hence online courses have allowed me to keep my poetry going and keep me writing.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘I write a lot of poetry so the Poetry School is part of that experience. However, to write about trauma is topic I have avoided and this course provided me with a way to tackle within a supportive environment. I have written 5 poems which, with a little editing, I will submit for publication and be confident to read in public.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School has been essential to my development as a poet. I have found a community of people who share my love of poetry.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘I tick over needing to write and sharing in this process with others is priceless.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘Poetry School offers excellent value and high quality writing and sharing opportunities. I felt as if I’d received a personally tailored service and am looking forward to the next courses.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘The courses are high quality, and designed to fit around a busy schedule. I love how thoughtful the tutors are in both setting assignments and feedback. I feel some of my best work has come out of the teaching on this site.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘In a time-pressured working environment (effectively juggling two full time jobs), carving out personal time to write is nearly impossible, particularly without deadlines or specific focus. The Poetry School online courses are invaluable to me in providing structure and timed tasks which feel far too important to get bumped for work deadlines! I’m also able to choose the group best suited to my writing needs, and have been steadily plugging ‘gaps’ in my second full collection by selecting topics and tutors who provide me with the prompts to write better themed poems.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘I have written by now, several compositions which I would not have, otherwise. I am proud of the productive mode of energy and motivation Poetry School has resulted in, with my participation. It offers very stimulating classes, and I would recommend strongly to any writer.’ – Autumn 2018 survey response

‘The tutor on the last Poetry School course I attended was outstanding – well prepared, socially skilled, self-aware and good at holding the group together. Her classes were a joy – reawakening my enthusiasm for writing. Her suggested approach to daily writing has become a welcome habit – a pleasure to complete each day.’ – Summer 2018 survey response

‘I have the opportunity to enjoy teaching by very experienced and dedicated poets, ready to share their knowledge and vision and to encourage their students.’ – Summer 2018 survey response

‘The poetry school has supported me on a journey to rediscover and connect with poetry again after decades of feeling poetry was for other people. I now have the confidence to write out the poems that have been residing within me for so long.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Feeling part of a community has helped me with my writing and confidence in submitting poems.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Two of what I consider to be my best poems originated with courses at the Poetry School. Both were published.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School is unique in offering workshops and tutoring across the board from beginners to experienced poets. It is hard to find advanced sessions in other parts of the country – the Poetry School fills a unique slot.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Attending classes from time to time is a good motivator, and the scrutiny and supportive dialogue of the class helps me cultivate freshness and innovation in my work.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Being able to access quality tutors here in Exeter has been wonderful. I did publish in 2015 and almost all of the poems began life in the PS classes I had been participating in. I am soon intending to start a blog which will include, hopefully, some more poems.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Made me more aware, more imaginative and knowledgeable.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Made me feel connected to other poets rather than separate from them, helps me to feel normal about finding it hard sometimes and makes me excited there are other regular poem writers with minds wonderfully different to my own.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘NaPoWriMo is great, I have completed it this year and last and had fun and discipline from using it, and met some good people and poets’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It has given me a new interest in Eco poetry, and inspired me to write about nature and the environment.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘I feel lucky to be part of a community of poets.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Having had some difficult times in the past few years, I have found great diversion and support from every class I’ve been to. My confidence has increased and my interest in and knowledge of poetry has improved as well. The standard of engagement and tutoring is very high.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘After some years of therapy and depression I gave up therapy as it was expensive and it had run its course. I discovered that poetry had the same ability to flip my understanding of the world on its head and make me sees things in a different light. Not saying that it’s therapeutic, more that poetry has given me another set of tools to attempt to make sense of the world. I’ve also used my new knowledge of poetry in the graphic novel I’m writing.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It’s the most meaningful part of my week. Sasha has been incredibly helpful and supportive and the group is full of poets of an extremely high standard who are also warm supportive and interesting people.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘The general environment created by the School is welcoming and committed to writing. This is the kind of environment I like.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘I’ve gained access to another creative form that I had no idea was able to do.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It has become central to my life and essential for my progress.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It gives me stimuli to write a range of poetry, confidence to develop my own style and supports my well-being.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘The poetry school offers me a community. Being surrounded by other poets inspires me to work with confidence on my poems and share them freely. It’s wonderful to feel valued. Every time I walk into the office I feel warmth – it’s a real home for poets and it has a great sense of ease and equality. We’re all poets, we’re all here with the same love for poetry. That’s really special. I haven’t found it anywhere else. It’s amazing to be around successful poets. It makes the whole idea seem more tangible, like putting work out there is a natural progression of creating it. Meeting published poets makes me think I could do it too. And it’s a different environment to seeing poets at readings – the poetry school creates a community where we can talk and interact on a new level. The staff are so wonderful and helpful. They seem to value me and the work I do simply because poetry is an amazing form of expression and because I’m engaging with an art form they care about. The Poetry school is a very special place.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘I am writing confidently. I am starting to enter competitions regularly.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘I found the teaching style very innovative and beneficial.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Very glad that you are spreading out from London – I note there is something in Wymondham, Norfolk (have yet to sign up!)’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Thanks for your work in the community and please bring back the BreakBeats!’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Only that the staff do a wonderful job and I’m very grateful for all the support and opportunity you’ve all given me.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘An excellent experience that has carried on perfectly from Robbie and his fellow poets last year.’ –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘For the first time in my life – and I am midway through my life! – I know where I can go to access the gold standard for poetry teaching-to-practice, taught by some of the best and most exciting poets writing today. It is affordable (if you save up!), in a way that residential courses are not (not that I’ve ever done one of those), and accessible, in a way that university courses are not (for me anyway, and I haven’t done one of those either). For me it means that I have somewhere I can access help to improve my poetry, and that is an invaluable gift to me. There is nothing else like it – that I know of anyway! – I will definitely be back!’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It definitely is a resource I will turn to again. I’d like to explore more of the CAMPUS community projects; at the moment time is the issue but I think I will use these resources more going forward.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School has made writing poetry part of my life and it’s a more exciting life because of that.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Being part of an on-line poetry group with fellow writers and a Tutor brings alive the creative juices.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘The online courses give me access to teaching that I couldn’t possibly get to physically.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It is wonderful to be part of a community of poets, and I have grown in confidence over the years with all the help and encouragement I’ve received.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It has made me feel part of the wider poetry community even though I’m a beginner.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘They’ve extended my wider reading of other poets, and they’ve given me the confidence to be bolder and more adventurous in my writing.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘There is always something to look forward to, and always somebody out there who shares and enhances my creative interests.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘I feel an achievement in starting and completing this on-line course, the first one I have attempted and completed. Well done me. The assignments were interesting, if a little beyond my comprehension at times, even so I felt appreciated for my contribution in poems and feedback.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It has helped me feel connected to other writers of poetry.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘I started by doing NaPoWriMo in 2017, did it again in 2018 (also being part of a regular group posting poems once a week since 2017). This helped me get used to Campus, writing new forms of poetry and to commenting on others’ poems. I then attended one face to face workshop. Following this, I applied for the MA Writing in Poetry which I start in autumn, which I am sure will be life changing.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘It has helped me to be more focused on what I am trying to do as a poet and opened up quite new avenues to explore. I have found the April prompts particularly helpful, as is the exposure to the work of other poets from many different backgrounds.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘When I started with the Poetry School a year ago I had only just started writing and had very little knowledge of contemporary poetry. My ability and knowledge has grown quite immeasurably in that time, and I’m completely addicted to the courses – I’d love to be able to do face to face ones, but having access to the brilliant range of online courses is such a treat! I must admit to having enrolled for 4 more already…. so thank you!’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘I have felt part of a wider group, and it has been great working with such people as Martin Figura and Christie Williamson. Also very good to see some of the other students on the course achieving great success, for instance Abigail Morley, and there are others. Also great to work with people from all over the world; some whose mother tongue is not English. Thank you.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Doing a course with the poetry school pushed me to spend the time and effort on my writing, and getting tutor and peer feedback made me edit my work more, which made it much better.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Developing as a poet, it’s tremendous to have access to excellent learning opportunities, to be exposed to a wealth of information about poetry and opportunities in this sphere, and to connect with other poets. I’m very impressed in general with the offerings from The Poetry School. My first exposure was for NaPoWriMo 2018, which I thoroughly enjoyed.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘Thanks for existing.’  –  Summer 2018 survey response

‘I attended my first workshop with the Poetry School a couple of weeks ago – Rachel Long’s Irreverent Womyn. It was a wonderful afternoon and was far more than I anticipated and is still providing me with much to think about – many thanks to you and Rachel for this. – Summer School 2018 feedback

‘Last night was gorgeous. I think it is a testament to Jaqui and the way she runs the group with grace and humour. And what a lovely group! I felt welcomed and included from the beginning. Thank you all for that. I look forward to next year, to reading and writing more poetry, to belonging to such a lovely bunch.’ – Summer 2018 feedback

‘Thank you so much Jacqueline for you hard work and dedication to the course which you have made so stimulating and interesting and everyone for your support of my poems and positive feedback. You are all such a great bunch of people. The whole atmosphere of this course has given me the courage to push my ramshackle old boat out into deeper waters and experiment with new styles instead of freezing in front of blank paper which has been my way in previous classes when trying to write in class. Thank you everyone! Can’t wait for next term.’ – Summer 2018 feedback

‘I wish I’d been calm enough on ‘stage’ to say how much I’ve enjoyed being in the group and how much I’ve valued and enjoyed the kind contributions. It has been amazing to have the chance to think and talk about everyone’s work in such a supportive and thoughtful environment. Total testament to [Jacqueline Saphra’s] ability as a teacher.’ – Summer 2018 feedback

‘Could you pass on to Nuar my deep thanks for the workshop she ran today. She was there for us non stop all day with such a generosity of attention to us all as individuals, as well as throwing ideas to us (as she put it) which were so new and exciting and fruitful. What she did today opened a door for me so that I know now what the next lurch in my writing will be – entirely unexpected and a huge gift.’ – Summer 2018 feedback

‘After several decades of teaching poetry workshops and craft courses, I can say that my experience at The Poetry School was one of the most inspiring. Thank you again for making me feel so welcome.’  – Phillis Levin, visiting US poet and tutor

‘I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity. Everything was great — your organization is so fantastic. I loved the reading and the class so much, truly. It’s so lovely getting to work with a poetry organization that is truly community based. I really mean that!’ – Elaine Kahn, visiting US poet and tutor

‘The Poetry School is the only place I know where there is a real choice of different ways to work on your poetic skills, with constant encouragement and support.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School is a remarkable resource of knowledge, guidance and new friendships formed around the desire to learn more and write better. The range of workshops and their leaders is, I think, unparalleled.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School and its tutors has restored my confidence in my poetry and process, given me new avenues of reading and thought, along with connecting me to like-minded, but still different, practitioners.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘It made me realise that there is a poetry community, which is diverse, creative, curious and interesting, and that I belong to it.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The courses have helped extend my range as a poet and given me more confidence to experiment’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School keeps me writing poetry. It is a life-changing for this reason.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘Poetry School courses over the years have kept up my motivation to write and to improve my writing and have helped to introduce me to the wider poetry community. They have also resulted in some poems which later gained publication.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The most valuable thing about the poetry school courses for me has been the ability to share work very directly and immediately with others. The directness of the audience places a pressure on my writing which is productive and has been better than writing for my own eyes only.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘It lifts my heart to know that there are so many wonderful poets out there, engaged in making the world a better place.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘I do not have a community of poets around me, and as a new poet, this was the first time I shared my work with anybody. The Poetry School is very supportive environment for newbies!!’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘Made me more confident in using on-line courses, I was also really impressed by the reach / breadth of the course to create a virtual class from people from all over the globe, using simple technology to offer excellent creative connectivity.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The first class I took at the poetry school was a sonnet workshop with Kate Light. That class was my reintroduction to the world of poetry, after many years of being away. Though I always wrote, I did so in a bubble. I took that first workshop with Kate the year that my stepson had taken his life, and I desperately needed a place to put my grief, and even the light that came from that grief. Kate was insightful, sensitive, and bright. Through her assignments and feedback I rediscovered my voice, gained knowledge and confidence to move forward with my writing, which helped me heal and move forward in so many other ways. The following year, I attended my first poetry conference, and have since published many of my poems in good journals. I’m currently working on a chapbook. This year, The Poetry school gave me a scholarship that I refer to as my saving grace. I have been battling cancer since August. My income is down and my bills are high, I’m foggy most of the time and either in pain or exhausted, but having this class gave me something to look forward to– something I feel passionate about every week for a couple of months. I may not have written anything earth shattering, but the assignments, the teacher’s feedback and the strong community of writers gave me focus and, frankly, joy. Not to mention, a good foundation of new poems!’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School has helped me think of myself as a poet and to take my poetry seriously for the first time.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘I love the Poetry School’s eclectic offerings! A lovely way to stay in touch with poetry.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School has given me more confidence and valuable experience with a variety of courses to choose from. The teachers are top quality and the material is excellent.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘My course finished a few weeks ago and I’m already missing it. Tim favoured a low-key, inclusive teaching style and combined this with so many insightful and genuinely inspiring comments about Romantic and Victorian poetry – and our own. The workshop element was amongst the best I’ve attended; the group was supportive and the writing standard high, which made for very helpful feedback along with fascinating glimpses of other people’s work. Tim fostered a positive, relaxed atmosphere and his approach to each student’s work was detailed and thoughtful. I found his feedback, which always included constructive suggestions, imaginative, sensitive and invaluable. The course has inspired me to write more and to write differently; and everything I’ve learnt was delivered with a lightness of touch.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘Attending the Poetry School has introduced me to work and people I’d never otherwise have encountered. It’s filled rainy afternoons with writing, landed me in a lovely community garden as a poet in residence and gently shaped my daydreams into something with a bit more style.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘I feel more confident and the course has encouraged me to explore new styles and ideas. Staff at Poetry School are always helpful, professional and friendly.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The courses act as a stimulus for writing, encourage and develop my writing and critiquing skills, expand my learning and support my mental wellbeing.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘I am a full time carer and not able to get out a great deal. I love the poetry school courses because they help me keep focus on my writing and make me feel part of a community.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘Through this course I have finally found what I would love to do more than any of my other creative activities.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘I have been writing poetry on my own without any feedback, and I have learned that having a community of poets all helping and encouraging one another, including with constructive feedback, is very helpful as I am developing as a writer.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School helped me to become more aware of the universality of poetry. I was the only American in the class and initially apprehensive about that. My fear quickly subsided when I read the introductory posts of the other students. They were all so friendly and enthusiastic! It was clear we had a lot in common–we all spoke and worked in the language of poetry. The strength of that connection increased as we communicated weekly. Working together, though separately, for the same goal and purpose gave me confidence in my writing and a greater appreciation for the work of others. The instructor enabled our friendly yet productive environment to thrive.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School has kept me company during the last decade. From the beginning it has provided me with a missing poetic education, a highlight being the extraordinary teaching of Ms Khalvati. The formal demands of writing and developing my work in these advancing years has kept me lucid and comparatively sane. It has enabled me to reflect upon a hectic life of overseas travel and cultural diplomacy and in retirement, to fulfil a lifetime ambition to develop my love of poetry and publish my work, poems and translations.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School definitely dismantled my physical barriers to live in Japan when it came to write poems in English. Your online class seems to me a miracle. I would like to continue taking on-line classes.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘Since taking several online courses and starting the MA in Writing Poetry, I am more confident with different poetic forms and with experimenting, and I take more time to edit and work up my poems. I also seem to be doing better with winning prizes in competitions!’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The biggest change came from having tutor sessions through the Poetry School with Martyn Crucefix, many years ago. These helped me to move my poetry up a notch and laid the ground for my first published collection. More recently the downloadable autobiography course fed into a poetry pamphlet which was one of the joint winners of last year’s Cinnamon Poetry Pamphlet competition and very specifically the April prompts have led me to check the website nearly every day and, so far this year, to keep up – a rate of production which is new for me’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘For me, the fact that Poetry School is about writing practice and process is incredibly valuable. So much else is focused on the finished product and publication, that a space which is so much about learning, craft, sharing and development is vital & unique.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘Writing poetry is becoming part of my life, hard, exciting, sometimes rewarding, puzzling, challenging. The courses I have attended have left me feeling comfortable and very curious about all of this – chasing my way of writing as Richard Hugo would have it.’ – Spring 2018 survey response

‘The Poetry School has prompted me to write poems that have gone on to be published in magazines and one that has won second prize in a competition. I find the Poetry School to be a friendly and supportive place for new writers, and I have signed up for the MA in September.’ – Spring 2018 survey response ‘Very happy with my two courses so far. What a happy find of your program!!’ – Spring 2018 Student Feedback

‘I am on the workshop being run by John Wedgewood Clarke in Exeter and he is very good. Lots of forward planning, really interesting and kindly rigorous’ – Spring 2018 student feedback.

‘I have found them [Poetry School courses] invaluable and extraordinary for the access they have given me to contemporary poets, from Tim Dooley and Melissa Lee Houghton to Ahren Warner, Wayne Holloway Smith to Sarah Howe, Kate Potts, Andrew McMillan, Kathryn Maris and Alice Lyons. These poets have all encouraged me to continue with the work I am making, and helped me find ways in which to develop it’ – Alice Hiller, Jerwood / Arvon Mentee, 2017/18

‘I am a poet with a disabling health condition and coming to the Poetry School has helped me grab back my identity (which illnesses can try to steal away) and prioritise what is meaningful in my life. It has brought learning, confidence, courage and friendship.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘I’m a first time student but I’m now eager to sign up for more. I find myself looking forward to meeting deadlines and joining in web chats. Taking part in such a friendly and well informed course has increased my personal confidence and enhanced my enjoyment of reading and writing.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘I look forward tremendously to meeting a new tutor and a new group at the beginning of each course. So many wonderful poets out there!’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School has helped me create work which has gone on to be published. It has helped me to improve and to gain confidence as both a writer and reader of poetry. And it has made me feel part of a wider community of poets and poetry lovers.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘I’ve gained so much more confidence to write regularly and show my poems to friends and have begun to enter competitions for the first time. To have a published poet refer to you as ‘a poet’ and take your work seriously is incredible!’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School gave me the confidence to write three new poems for the course and put them forward for constructive criticism. The tutor and rest of the groups were very supportive of one another. I have only been writing for myself, and rarely put my poems forward to an ‘audience’ so the course helped me see that my poems were good enough, and the constructive criticism offered will help when I re-draft them. I also learned more about the technical constructs of poetry, as I have been writing mainly for the ear, so it was good to learn how poetry ‘works.’ Also the course was very affordable, and the tutor very accessible.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘For a very new poet like myself, writing in a range of languages, it has opened up networks and support that otherwise I would not have. It has given me the confidence to write more and to explore new techniques.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘Writing poetry can be an isolating and discouraging experience. Studying at the poetry school has enabled me to join a community of fellow poets and increased my confidence enormously.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘Kept me writing through difficult times by supporting me in learning and developing skills in criticism. Being part of a community of writers has helped me with rural isolation issues.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘It’s a really great way to share poetry, learn more about poetry, experience a wide rage of poets social/cultural contexts.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘I have a community of poets to work with, who help me improve my work, and provide me with great warmth and helpful challenge.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘I produce more work at the Saturday sessions than I do in a month at home!’ Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School creates communities through its courses, bringing together like-minded writers to share and discuss work. I have made several friendships through the online courses which have moved into real life friendships, and without fail every online course I have taken has broadened and expanded my view of writing, inspired me to try new things, to take more risks in a safe and supportive space.’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘It has greatly increased my knowledge and my range, encouraging me to try new things’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response ‘The course acts as inspirer and renewer. It has opened new horizons and made me delve more deeply into what I can do with poetry!’ – Autumn 2017 Survey response

‘This was my first workshop at the Poetry School, but I can already see the difference in my writing – it has opened my eyes to greater possibilities where writing is concerned.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘I think Poetry School’s slogan sums it up so well: where poetry happens. Often those new to poetry see the outcomes, the publications, the finished poems – but not the huge amount of process that goes into writing; the five poems that might have led to the one that made it; poetry *as a practice*. That’s what I think is so marvellous about PS, the emphasis on the practice of writing poetry, in the world, and with others.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘Poetry School has been absolutely brilliant for me – the range and depth of courses is excellent – very tempting to commit to too many, but, unfortunately, as soon as I moved out of London I started writing poetry – an unfortunate conjunction for me personally but I have enjoyed every course I have managed to attend and the online courses are a great resource which I shall continue to pursue.I have felt part of a community and have made great poetry buddies.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey Response

‘This Poetry School workshop has helped me remember my love of language and all the wonderful things I could do with it. At a time of great personal difficulty, it has inspired me to carry on and be proud of seeing the world differently.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘At last, I’ve found a place to learn to improve my writing through constructive, helpful guidance from experienced poets.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘I am finding it harder to travel to evening classes and residentials. There are few day time classes and the evening classes are not near where I live. This is cause for regret as your courses have definitely developed my poetry knowledge, skill and confidence in the past. Thankfully, your online courses mean I can continue to benefit from the Poetry School.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey Response

‘I know I have a great poem inside me. Going on this course has helped me focus my self, connected me with my own unique style and has given me the confidence to say ‘yes, I can write” – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School online courses provide an invaluable opportunity to people, no matter where they are based, to learn more about poetry, hone their own poetry, and be part of a poet community. The quality of teaching and student interaction is wonderful. Thank you Poetry School!’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey Response

‘I am much more confident, in touch with my own ‘sense of self’, and have discovered something that I can truly immerse myself in, regardless of feeling. I told Tim [Dooley] his course was like therapy, but less expensive and more enjoyable. I stand by that. I’ve made lifelong friends, and written poems I am happy to call my own.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘My poetry was stuck in a rut of repetitive rhymes and banal phrases. The session really opened me up to possibility and I’m now submitted work to magazines and competitions.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘I live in a remote area of Wales, so the opportunity to share work online with other students and tutors has been a tremendous boost. Giving and getting feedback happens with a few clicks and at a reasonable cost. To get a similar experience face to face I would have to travel for many hours at great cost in time and money. I have enrolled for my next online course the day the last one ended!’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey Response

‘The Poetry School is an amazing resource for the practicing poet, bringing experience and creativity from dedicated tutors, who can help students to find ways in to writing and to writing better as well as bringing their attention to contemporary poets they may not have discovered for themselves.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘Roddy Lumsden’s classes changed my life, and now thanks to Kathryn and also the excellent Poetry School MA, the life changing continues!’ – Summer 2017 Survey response ‘The Poetry School gives me a sense of community and a channel for self expression as well as the ambition to write as well as possible and reach people with my poetry.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘I know I have a great poem inside me. Going on this course has helped me focus my self, connected me with my own unique style and has given me the confidence to say ‘yes, I can write” – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School online courses provide an invaluable opportunity to people, no matter where they are based, to learn more about poetry, hone their own poetry, and be part of a poet community. The quality of teaching and student interaction is wonderful. Thank you Poetry School!’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘The Poetry School is an amazing resource for the practicing poet, bringing experience and creativity from dedicated tutors, who can help students to find ways in to writing and to writing better as well as bringing their attention to contemporary poets they may not have discovered for themselves.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘Although I live in a vibrant area for writing, the North East, I haven’t much time to get out and into the community as I work full time and am a part time carer. Being able to participate in an online course, to take some time for myself, has proved really useful at a very difficult time.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘I just wanted to say how totally wonderful Rachel Long’s workshop was yesterday. She created a really magical and safe space for us to write in, and it was amazing how much we wrote in two and a half hours. Rachel was the perfect blend of inspirational and down to earth and I would definitely work with her again if the opportunity arose — so good!’ – Sarah Revell, 27 July 2017

‘Poetry School courses have helped keep me writing at times when I have needed some support and both student and tutor feedback have increased my confidence. This has led me to apply for the Poetry School MA and I am looking forward to starting the course in September.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘Time spent working on words, thinking about how we write, where to use a comma and why to use a comma is one of those detailed moments of study that only working with other poets can make possible – the Poetry School is one of those havens in which you can explore content and intent with other writers and talented tutors’  – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘It’s an accessible way for people to share their love of writing poetry & develop as poets’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘I have found the Poetry School instrumental in maintaining my interest in Poetry. I have been studying for an MA in Creative Writing but as the year proceeded I realised my exposure to Poetry was minimal on the course. I am delighted that I had the Poetry School courses to turn to for inspiration and tuition. I am now considering changing to the Newcastle University/Poetry School MA in Poetry.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘I’m so glad I discovered Poetry School. I’ve completed 2 online courses and they were both excellent and the standard of teaching was really high. I like the structure of regular prompts, deadlines and feedback – it helps to me to write more and write better. I was a little apprehensive at first but soon got into the swing of it and it’s been great to connect with other poets. Excellent, thank you.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘The PS is a professional facility run smoothly for its users. The tutor produced a strong range of well prepared text generating tools as well as using the actual gallery. Work of great strength and great potential came together in a supportive group of mixed ability. What the individual makes of this depends on their commitment. Here too, the PS, is keen to follow and guide progress.’ – Summer 2017 Survey response

‘I had never put in a concerted effort over a long period of time to work on poetry, and I didn’t know if I could even be good at it. But because I was encouraged to work hard and given very specific feedback and guidance, and because I had a series of assignments to complete, I surprised myself with how good my writing could be. I am now going to be submitting poems for publication, which I have not done before. And I’ve already signed up for another course!’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘The course pushed me in directions I would never have taken without it, and the quality of my poetry reflects this. It’s an invaluable way to meet other poets who are interested in learning and in challenging themselves.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘I have written poems about subjects which I had not considered before and really pushed boundaries with form and content.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘As an international student living in Portugal the Poetry School is vital for my study of poetry and for getting first class feedback on my work.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘I live on an island off the west coast of Cumbria and I have a disability that means travelling is a real problem. Over the years I’ve studies poetry quite a bit attending many workshops and longer courses including an MA. The standard of the courses run by Poetry School is consistently higher than anything else I’ve experienced. It means that I can remain part of a community of poets and continue improving even though I’m so restricted.’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘I live in a remote area of Wales, so the opportunity to share work online with other students and tutors has been a tremendous boost. Giving and getting feedback happens with a few clicks and at a reasonable cost. To get a similar experience face to face I would have to travel for many hours at great cost in time and money. I have enrolled for my next online course the day the last one ended!’ – Summer 2017 Online Survey response

‘I have met and made great friends through the Poetry School, both the online courses and the face-to-face, all of which I have found extremely inspiring, innovative and thought-provoking!’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘Recent PS online courses have opened my eyes to contemporary world poetry beyond the British ‘scene’. Without the PS my writing would be in danger of sticking in a rut. PS courses challenge me with new ideas, inspiration and make me reflect on my writing style. Doing a PS online course forces me to carve out space in my life for creativity: it’s such a delight opening the document of fortnightly ‘writing games’, reflecting on it over the following week as I go about my everyday life, somehow pulling a poem out of the hat, and then reading my fellow students own poems over the next week – this ritual of thinking, writing and sharing kind of ’rounds out’ my life.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘I can’t quite believe the amount of talent in fellow students. It’s quite wonderful. Everyone takes writing poetry seriously. Unlike certain other websites that I visit regularly I always feel good when I click on the Poetry School website. It’s such a positive place.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘This is my fourth (or fifth) course and I have grown in confidence and ability. The tutors are sensitive to people’s needs and help to generate a good working atmosphere which allows better collaboration and support. I now have had some success in publishing and am working to improve further with joining in more courses in the future.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘I wouldn’t have been able to develop a full portfolio of work for my first collection without the online courses and tutor/peer group feedback.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘The Poetry School holds open a valuable space for a diverse range of writers to create, share, explore, and learn. It is an important part of the fabric of the wider poetry field, dedicated to fostering passion, fun, expertise and new voices from all over the UK, and I suspect increasingly, beyond.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘The Poetry School’s international courses have been a great way of staying connected with the poetry scene in the UK and also to write more and better poems. If it didn’t exist, I’m not sure how much poetry I would still be writing or what language it would be in.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘I was amazed at how much work I produced during the workshops. This was due to the imaginative and supportive approach of the tutor.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘Having Poetry School courses to attend in Manchester really helps my motivation to continue writing and learning about poetry. Thank you.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘I think that the Poetry School is a really well-run organisation. The admin is efficient and there is knowledgeable support if you are unsure what course to do. It’s brilliant!’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘By attending courses at the Poetry School for several years, I’ve been introduced me to a supportive network of poets who have informed my writing and given me more confidence.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School has changed my life by providing an international forum for writing and talking about poetry – it is wonderful.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘Each course has enriched my life. I have entered deeply into new poetry, pushed my own writing to new limits, had immense delight from deepening my appreciation.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘The Poetry School enables poets of all levels to stay in touch with the wider world and each other. The courses, delivered by experienced poets, are inspirational.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘I have enjoyed every course I have done at the Poetry School and feel it is a very warm and stimulating learning community’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘It has changed my quality of life for the better.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘I’ve mainly developed my poetry through the Poetry School, and poetry has helped me to think more critically about my perception of the world, and how and what I would like to communicate. Words are powerful, and care should be taken with what we express.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘It’s difficult to explain how the classes have affected me, but I think I have learned to trust myself and my poetic “voice” more and learned not to compare myself to other “real” poets. Being more of a visual artist, I was apprehensive about formal poetry but the environment of acceptance and the embracing and studying of different poetic styles in Kathryn’s class was for me, life changing. I know that sounds a bit overreaching but that is how it feels!’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School employs talented tutors. Their inspiration, in the form of prompts and examples other poets’ work, serves to generate new poems that you would never otherwise have written. It is useful to have deadlines to work to and peers to read and critique your work. An invaluable resource to beginners and established poets alike.’ – Spring 2017 Online Survey response

‘The Poetry School is important to me because it is a place (physical and virtual) I can go to connect with my love of poetry, and other people who love poetry, and acknowledge and develop my creativity; it provides a meaningful balance to other areas of my life.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘Poetry School courses, or rather the people like Tammy and Ron who have taught them, have given me skills and confidence to write and rediscover myself.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘There’s a community of like-minded poets at The Poetry School which is always good to feel part of. It’s especially good to be able to speak on the telephone to very helpful and friendly staff- a rarity these days in our increasingly isolating technological world.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘It has been so many years since I connected with the creative part of myself in this way. I have spent the last 10 years absorbed in a professional world where I have given so much of my mind to others. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I got some of it back!’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘There’s a community of like-minded poets at The Poetry School which is always good to feel part of. It’s especially good to be able to speak on the telephone to very helpful and friendly staff- a rarity these days in our increasingly isolating technological world.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘It has been so many years since I connected with the creative part of myself in this way. I have spent the last 10 years absorbed in a professional world where I have given so much of my mind to others. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I got some of it back!’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘Really shows what impact a day can have on your writing- changing the way you think and the kinds of topics you write about.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘I’ve always loved poetry & written privately without quite knowing why. The one course I’ve attended at the Poetry School was like being given a key to a treasure trove. It’s has helped me understand the relevance, importance & gift of poetry. I’ve re-read all my favourite poems again & again with new eyes & better understand, which makes them even more enjoyable & also I’ve read lots of new ones too. And I’ve reread all my own writing & I now know I really want to write & to write well. It feels like the beginning of an exciting journey & I’m really happy & can’t Thank You enough!’  – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘It was my hope that the day would provide an interval in which to do some writing, and so it proved. But the real value was in setting me thinking along certain lines, working on a series of poems, which has come about as a consequence of attending.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘Published poets mix with new and raw talent — a heady cocktail :-)’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School employs talented tutors. Their inspiration, in the form of prompts and examples other poets’ work, serves to generate new poems that you would never otherwise have written. It is useful to have deadlines to work to and peers to read and critique your work. An invaluable resource to beginners and established poets alike’ – Spring 2017 online survey response.

‘At the beginning of my contact with the Poetry School, some years ago, I chose face to face courses and considered it my main way of learning to write poems. Nowadays there are far fewer local face to face courses available to me and I am rather less likely to travel to the city at night, particularly in the winter months. I am glad now to have access to online courses which can stimulate new writing and introduce me to poems new to me.’ – Spring 2017 online survey response

‘Really shows what impact a day can have on your writing- changing the way you think and the kinds of topics you write about.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘I’ve always loved poetry & written privately without quite knowing why. The one course I’ve attended at the Poetry School was like being given a key to a treasure trove. It’s has helped me understand the relevance, importance & gift of poetry. I’ve re-read all my favourite poems again & again with new eyes & better understand, which makes them even more enjoyable & also I’ve read lots of new ones too. And I’ve reread all my own writing & I now know I really want to write & to write well. It feels like the beginning of an exciting journey & I’m really happy & can’t Thank You enough!’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘It was my hope that the day would provide an interval in which to do some writing, and so it proved. But the real value was in setting me thinking along certain lines, working on a series of poems, which has come about as a consequence of attending.’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘Published poets mix with new and raw talent — a heady cocktail :-)’ – Spring 2017 Survey response

‘The Poetry School employs talented tutors. Their inspiration, in the form of prompts and examples other poets’ work, serves to generate new poems that you would never otherwise have written. It is useful to have deadlines to work to and peers to read and critique your work. An invaluable resource to beginners and established poets alike’ – Spring 2017 online survey response.

‘At the beginning of my contact with the Poetry School, some years ago, I chose face to face courses and considered it my main way of learning to write poems. Nowadays there are far fewer local face to face courses available to me and I am rather less likely to travel to the city at night, particularly in the winter months. I am glad now to have access to online courses which can stimulate new writing and introduce me to poems new to me.’ – Spring 2017 online survey response

As this was my very first experience with any Poetry School events/courses, I just had to write to tell you that I thought the first ‘Saturday Session’ (Jan 28th) with Ros Barber was really something special. Even with a large group, she delivered great insights into everyone’s work —  she deftly managed to creatively support each poet while doing laser-focus surgeries on the weaker parts of our poems. I left with some excellent suggestions on how to make my poems stronger and because the group was so diverse and talented, I found myself jotting down loads of new ideas for writing experiments later. The group was entirely made up poets who have been coming to Dr Barber’s workshops loyally for years. This said, they were warm and welcoming and I felt as if I too had been part of the group for a long time. – Jennifer Minks on Ros Barber’s Spring 2017 Saturday Sessions.

It’s definitely increased my confidence. I was also able to apply for a bursary, which not only gave me knowledge I wouldn’t have acquired otherwise, I also felt validated and valued as a poet. – Autumn 2016 survey response

I have been so lucky to find the Poetry School, from the first time I stepped into the on line community and the wonderful face to face classes – I have grown as a poet. The Poetry School – has made learning accessible, enjoyable, social, challenging and fruitful. It has helped craft poems for my first pamphlet and widened my poetry network and enabled me to work with some the best poets writing today – It makes me wish I had found it sooner – Thank you.  – Jessica Mookherjee, author of The Swell (Tell-Tale Press)

The content and assignments were amazing. I learned a lot that will affect all aspects of my writing. The course far exceeded my expectations, which were already high, having previously done a course with the same tutor. Already had one of the assignments published (Morning Star newspaper), and others that I will be sending out. – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘Having moved out of London, I’m finding access to online courses invaluable. Writing can be a solitary pursuit so its great to be able to tap into group activities, have a course-led structure to lend regularity and a bit of useful pressure to one’s writing practice, to work alongside peers and feel connected.’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘Online courses with experienced, committed, able tutors are a boon to poets who find travel to London difficult, either in terms of distance, time or practicality. It is an excellent solution.’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘I was struggling to write and feeling a bit like giving up before the course, but Catherine’s feedback has both inspired me to keep going and motivated me to try to sharpen up my inner editor – just what I needed. Many thanks to her and to the Poetry School.’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘The Poetry School has changed my life and is one of my absolute joys. It’s taken me from a place where I was afraid to share my rather crappy beginner efforts to a position where I feel as if I’m starting to produce something of some value which I now feel confident enough to submit for publication. It has also introduced me to a wonderful community of poets which makes me feel part of the great river of poetry!’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘I have definitely written poems I have been proud of, which have been inspired by Poetry School courses over the years, and which have been placed in competitions or in magazines, eventually ending up in collections, so thank you. When I need you, you’re there!’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘The Poetry School has been one of the most motivating transformative forces in my life in recent times. As a beginner with no real contact with other poets I was amazed to find this vibrant well organized creative forum and just as amazed that I could be part of it. It has given me both confidence and resolve to write and publish.’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘I will definitely be doing as many PS courses as I can fit in. Thanks.’ – Autumn 2016 survey response ‘Thanks to everyone on the Poetry School team for all your hard working in helping to fuel the dreams of poets around the world and for building an excellent online community.’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘An online feedback course with Catherine Smith helped me to develop and perfect poems that were subsequently included in my first collection. The importance of feedback is fundamental for any poet looking to publish.’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘The Poetry School has been one of the most motivating transformative forces in my life in recent times. As a beginner with no real contact with other poets I was amazed to find this vibrant well organized creative forum and just as amazed that I could be part of it. It has given me both confidence and resolve to write and publish.’ – Autumn 2016 survey response

‘I just wanted to say that my poem ‘Stranded, After Ester Naomi Perqui’ has been accepted for publication by Brittle Star. The poem was written during the Poetry School’s Putting A Poet In Your Pocket online workshop in 2014. Thanks to tutor Kim Moore for her great prompt and to her and the other group members for their comments which greatly improved the poem.’ – Michael Farry, by email, 11 November 2016

‘Ira Lightman’s Radio, Radio: Making Poetry Sound was a brilliant course, bringing together sound, ideas and technology! Ira introduced us to new skills each week. He had an amazing knowledge of poetry and culture, and was really able to help us develop our ideas into something that you might hear on radio. I learned lots, and I hope to put it into action.’ – Rebecca Mackenzie, by email, October 2016

‘I’m pretty excited to say that the new edition of The Rialto (87) has one of my poems in it. It’s called ‘Snow Globes Sit on Our Top Shelves’ and came about as a result of one of the assignments on Catherine Smith’s Trust the Image course 6 months ago. I’d like to thank Catherine as well as the other Trust the Image group members for some incredibly useful feedback on the earlier and shakier version of this piece.’ – David Scott, by email, November 2016

‘This course was inspirational in motivating me to submit work for publication and in eliminating the “fear factor”.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Routes Into Poetry has definitely changed my life. Before starting the course I didn’t have the confidence to share my poems in public, and my writing was suffering from being kept in the dark. Routes was a scary jump into the deep end – writing a new poem every week, sharing it with the group, and receiving detailed feedback! Tammy is the most inspiring and supportive tutor anyone could hope for, and it has been fantastic to be part of a group of poets (now friends), working on our craft and our confidence together. Over the last year I have learned and developed more than I could have imagined, and am now going on to start the MA in Writing Poetry this September. Thank you to everyone at the Poetry School for all the work you do!’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘It’s given me much pleasure and helped me to recover from the effects of gruelling cancer treatment.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I really enjoy the level of stimulus at the Poetry School where all members of the class bring such a high level of knowledge about poetry and high quality poetry to the group. Matthew Caley is excellent at challenging us all to new ideas and directions and at creating a group ethos.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I guess it helped me finally to ‘come out’ about writing poetry.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

The range and quality of tutors makes contemporary poetry seem less remote and more accessible.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Enjoy meeting and sharing poems with other members of the group and receiving and giving tutor and colleagues feedback.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

The Poetry School is an oasis of creativity in a busy world. I’ve met people who have become friends, expanded my horizons, skills and ambitions and encountered a community of like-minded, warm and generous poets. I will miss the year-long course I’ve just finished for the focus and the company, but already looking forward to the next. – Summer 2016 survey response.

I love the excellent supportive tutors and staff and the supportive and challenging environment at the Poetry School. Thank you. – Summer 2016 survey response.

I had to leave ‘on the dot’ after Dante Micheaux’s Lyric Poetry workshop so wasn’t able to thank him properly or to tell him how much I enjoyed the day, how much I learnt from him, and how much I admire the rigour (without the ‘mortis’!) that he brings to the reading and writing of poetry. What a treasure London has in Dante! If Australia weren’t so far away, I’d sign up for any and all courses for which he was teacher. – Louise Nicholas, by email, October 2016

‘My work is continually improving as a result of the Poetry School and my knowledge and yearning for a still deeper understanding of the art and craft of poetry continues to grow. Thank you so much.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Thank you one and all for a life changing experience.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Tim Dooley’s class has introduced me to new works & interest as well as different poets and their work.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘This course has been very interesting & beneficial – I have enjoyed it a lot.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘The Poetry School is a brilliant place to learn and share work… I’ll be back :-)’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘The feedback course was a good way for me to see where I am with my poetry and I enjoyed the openness of participants and tutor alike regarding the level (I am starting out)’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I have always enjoyed writing in verse, but the Courses and workshops I have attended at the Poetry School have taught me about the craft of poetry and the various forms in which it can be most tellingly expressed.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I love the excellent supportive tutors and staff and the supportive and challenging environment at the Poetry School. Thank you.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘My work is continually improving as a result of the Poetry School and my knowledge and yearning for a still deeper understanding of the art and craft of poetry continues to grow. Thank you so much.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Thank you one and all for a life changing experience.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Tim Dooley’s class has introduced me to new works & interest as well as different poets and their work’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘This course has been very interesting & beneficial – I have enjoyed it a lot’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I have always enjoyed writing in verse, but the Courses and workshops I have attended at the Poetry School have taught me about the craft of poetry and the various Forms in which it can be most tellingly expressed.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘My new collection ‘The Puppeteer’s Daughter; includes several poems written as the result of attending courses at The Poetry School. ‘Wading Through Treacle’ and ‘Green’ etc . This year I loved writing ‘The Pew’ in memory of Sir John Betjeman.’ – Ann Perrin, Summer 2016 survey response

‘Without the poetry school I would never have had the nerve publish my poetry.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Published first pamphlet which has been well received. Was invited to mentor a beginning poet, which is working well for both of us and I am using the workshopping techniques have learnt at PS. Am now working on second pamphlet.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘It gives me both structure and delight. I would not be writing nearly so much had it not been for Kathryn Maris’s class.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Four poems published this year in reputable magazines and I won the Ripley Inaugural Competition with a poem I had written during the course.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Very efficient and very friendly…..thank you’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘One of the poems I workshopped in Tim Dooley’s class last year was published in the Rialto. One of the poems I workshopped in Mario’s class has been shortlisted by Magma for their next issue (might or might not end up being accepted)’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I’d just like to reiterate how fantastic Mario’s class has been. He is a brilliant teacher. I’ve learnt so much from him, and feel my writing has improved considerably as a result. He really put the ‘advanced’ in ‘advanced poetry workshop’. He’s inspired me to strive for excellence. It’s been a real privilege to have him as a tutor’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘It’s changed my life by offering a wide range of courses, all accessible and well-tutored, all of a high quality, which you simply can’t get anywhere else.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Certainly feeling part of the community of poets is massive, swapping info/publications is very useful. Feedback on work very valuable – graded courses and workshops work best.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘The poetry school helps you get exposed to different ways of learning, writing and thinking that might have taken years to find out on your own or most likely you would have never realised. That’s a very valuable gift.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Tim is always wonderful – this is the second course I have taken with him. Another great one, and I love getting to know other people who care about poetry.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘The poetry school has been wonderful for me. I am a lecturer in modern literature at a research university, but never wrote poetry myself. The school has enabled me to do so, and made me feel creative. It has also enriched my own teaching, and introduced me to a community of poets. I really do think it is such a wonderful institution.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘It has made a real difference to me. I was very nervous of reading anything I’d written to other people in case they destroyed the little confidence I have in what I write. But I was given encouragement to do this, and am glad I found the courage, because I received helpful and encouraging feedback. I learnt a lot about editing my poems so they would be more ready to submit, and am trying to work on implementing that with other poems. I also hope to submit some for a competition for another poetry school supported scheme which gives mentoring help. So having a better idea of editing helps me to prepare my submission for that too.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I took these classes at the poetry school since taking time off from work to parent my baby. It gave me such a welcome relief, and inspired me to write while she sleeps, both to share in this journey and to grow as a creative person and writer.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘It has been so liberating to be part of a community of poets – finally, people who don’t see poetry as “dead”, or exasperating, or boring, but instead as something worth being passionate about. I look forward to the sessions every month!’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I completed three terms at the poetry school and quite frankly feel privileged. I have learned so much and want to learn more. The tutors were expert and intellectually generous. I count myself as a lucky person to have had this experience.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Deepened my appreciation for formal content of poems; made me aware of a wider range of poetry and poets: made me appreciate more the social and artistic contexts in which poets are working; made me a better reviewer of other’s work and gave me a vocabulary for critiquing other’s work; made me a better and more sharply focused editor of my own work.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Penny is an inspired tutor. She gives a lot of thought to her workshops.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Encouraged me to re-engage with poetry’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘My prose poem ‘White Work’ came out of an earlier online course on prose poetry/flash fiction with Carrie Etter. Was published first in Shearsman magazine and included my Dancing Girl press pamphlet ‘The Bitters’.’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘Long listed in the National Poetry Competition with a poem written on Campus.’ – Summer 2016 survey response. ‘The Emptiness published in Butcher’s Dog 4 (written during John Clegg’s online course) Several poems included in a book published by Cinnamon Press in 2015’ – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘I’ve just had a poem ‘Wake-up Call’ accepted for publication in Southlight 20. The tutor and student feedback was invaluable in redrafting the poem to publication standard.’  – Human / Nature – Summer 2016 survey response.

‘This has been an excellent and thought provoking course. Many thanks, Dai. Thanks also to you my  fellow writers.  Your work, so diverse,  provided new perspectives on the  ways poetry might be going or could go. I found it all very valuable and illuminating.’ – Patrick Early, on Dai George’s online course Irony & Edge Summer 2016

‘My new collection ‘The Puppeteer’s Daughter; includes several poems written as the result of attending courses at The Poetry School. ‘Wading Through Treacle’ and ‘Green’ etc . This year I loved writing ‘The Pew’ in memory of Sir John Betjeman.’ – Ann Perrin, Summer 2016 survey response

All of my workshops at The Poetry School (I just found this place!) have been exceptional in so many ways, and I feel very lucky to have found a space where lots of really bright and talented people are thinking about poetry. Reading all your poems each week was definitely half of the delight and part of the learning about all the ways poems are “made”. I am pleased that we were so diverse in our subjects and approaches! And this course has been especially and positively challenging in exposing my process of getting at something/someone and representing it in a way that I feel is satisfying. Thank you one and all. And again, Sarah, for your thoughtful and encompassing assignments and the spirit of kindness and curiosity you bring to the space. – Nicole Burdick, on Sarah Hesketh’s Poetry as Portraiture online course Summer 2016

It gives me both structure and delight. I would not be writing nearly so much had it not been for Kathryn Maris’s class. – Summer 2016 survey response.

One of the poems I workshopped in Tim Dooley’s class last year was published in the Rialto. One of the poems I workshopped in Mario’s class has been shortlisted by Magma for their next issue. – Summer 2016 survey response.

I’d just like to reiterate how fantastic Mario’s class has been. He is a brilliant teacher. I’ve learnt so much from him, and feel my writing has improved considerably as a result. He really put the ‘advanced’ in ‘advanced poetry workshop’. He’s inspired me to strive for excellence. It’s been a real privilege to have him as a tutor. – Summer 2016 survey response.

Certainly feeling part of the community of poets is massive, swapping info/publications is very useful. Feedback on work very valuable – graded courses and workshops work best. – Summer 2016 survey response.

The poetry school helps you get exposed to different ways of learning, writing and thinking that might have taken years to find out on your own or most likely you would have never realised. That’s a very valuable gift. – Summer 2016 survey response.

Tim is always wonderful – this is the second course I have taken with him. Another great one, and I love getting to know other people who care about poetry. – Summer 2016 survey response.

The poetry school has been wonderful for me. I am a lecturer in modern literature at a research university, but never wrote poetry myself. The school has enabled me to do so, and made me feel creative. It has also enriched my own teaching, and introduced me to a community of poets. I really do think it is such a wonderful institution. – Summer 2016 survey response.

It has made a real difference to me. I was very nervous of reading anything I’d written to other people in case they destroyed the little confidence I have in what I write. But I was given encouragement to do this, and am glad I found the courage, because I received helpful and encouraging feedback. I learnt a lot about editing my poems so they would be more ready to submit, and am trying to work on implementing that with other poems. I also hope to submit some for a competition for another poetry school supported scheme which gives mentoring help. So having a better idea of editing helps me to prepare my submission for that too. – Summer 2016 survey response.

I took these classes at the poetry school since taking time off from work to parent my baby. It gave me such a welcome relief, and inspired me to write while she sleeps, both to share in this journey and to grow as a creative person and writer. – Summer 2016 survey response.

It has been so liberating to be part of a community of poets – finally, people who don’t see poetry as “dead”, or exasperating, or boring, but instead as something worth being passionate about. I look forward to the sessions every month! – Summer 2016 survey response.

I completed three terms at the poetry school and quite frankly feel privileged. I have learned so much and want to learn more. The tutors were expert and intellectually generous. I count myself as a lucky person to have had this experience. – Summer 2016 survey response.

Deepened my appreciation for formal content of poems; made me aware of a wider range of poetry and poets: made me appreciate more the social and artistic contexts in which poets are working; made me a better reviewer of other’s work and gave me a vocabulary for critiquing other’s work; made me a better and more sharply focused editor of my own work. – Summer 2016 survey response.

Penny is an inspired tutor. She gives a lot of thought to her workshops. – Summer 2016 survey response.

Encouraged me to re-engage with poetry – Summer 2016 survey response.

My prose poem ‘White Work’ came out of an earlier online course on prose poetry/flash fiction with Carrie Etter. Was published first in Shearsman magazine and included my Dancing Girl press pamphlet ‘The Bitters’. – Summer 2016 survey response.

Long listed in the National Poetry Competition with a poem written on Campus. – Summer 2016 survey response.

The Emptiness published in Butcher’s Dog 4 (written during John Clegg’s online course) Several poems included in a book published by Cinnamon Press in 2015 – Summer 2016 survey response.

I’ve just had a poem ‘Wake-up Call’ accepted for publication in Southlight 20. The tutor and student feedback was invaluable in redrafting the poem to publication standard. – Human / Nature – Summer 2016 survey response.

This course has helped me to appreciate and understand poetry much more, even though I read poetry regularly in the past. I have really enjoyed the course, Tammy is an excellent tutor, and I couldn’t have asked to spend the year in a better way, and in the company of more interesting people. – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

I find the courses at the Poetry School are very stimulating and I enjoy listening to others’ work as well as having my own poetry workshopped. I miss the classes during the holidays! – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

The fact that the poetry school exists, that there is a place I can go to learn about poetry, to keep learning. This is hugely encouraging and makes me feel like the world of poetry is so much more accessible than I imagined. And that there are so many different approaches and ways in. I always find something that really inspires me. – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

The Poetry School is creatively energising. Excellent tuition, and a committed attitude from fellow attenders. – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

I found Mario’s course fantastic. He is an amazing teacher, and although I’ve attended a number of workshops at the Poetry School, it wasn’t until now that I understood the difference between a good and a great poem. Mario’s class shed new light on my work and writing process, and not only helped me improve the poems I brought to the workshops, but helped me improve my writing – which I think is ultimately the aim of an advanced poetry workshop. – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

Taking classes at the Poetry School is pretty much what I look forward to most every month – they have increased my confidence, connected me with other writers and provided a wealth of ideas. Most of my poems wouldn’t have been written if it wasn’t for them. – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

The Poetry School has changed my life significantly and has affected the kind of work that I have chosen to do. It supports me both in my creativity and in my every day job. – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

The course is relaxing and stimulating. It has shown me new ways of writing and has truly inspired me. – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

The translation course with Graham Fawcett was life changing. – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

My writing and my writing process has been stimulated and inspired! – Spring 2016 survey response, April 2016

The Poetry School has taught me that poetry is ordinary (accessible to me) and extraordinary – stimulating my brain to thoughts and their creative expression that might otherwise never have happened. – Summer 2015 survey response, 26/06/2015

The Poetry School is a lifeline for ordinary people for whom poetry is the thing that sustains them. We may never be famous, we may never even be published but the Poetry School give us the opportunity to come together with likeminded people and realise that we are not alone, that our solitary efforts at writing have a value and purpose. The Poetry School nourishes and nurtures whatever abilities we have and gives support and encouragement to our work and therefore to us as individuals. It reaches people from all walks of life, there is no other organisation like it, it is needed. – Summer 2015 survey response, 26/06/2015

You’ve had some excellent online course, some really interesting these to explore, and great tutors – shame I don’t have enough time or money to do them all!! – Emma Simon, 18 April 2016, via email

I’ve really enjoyed my online course and I hope to become a regular part of the Poetry School Community. The course prompted me to look critically at my own work and most importantly, got me reading and writing poetry again. Fantastic experience! – Spring 2016 online survey response, April 2016

I would be lost without The Poetry School courses. – Olivia Dawson, CAMPUS Main Activity Stream, 2 July 2014 I have really enjoyed the course and everything Poetry School is doing for the cause of promoting this art … Personally, as I’ve never had any formal feedback/training it has been nothing short of utterly inspirational. – Jake Higgins, April 2014, Online Feedback Course with Dai George (2014)

I am quite new to TPS – having only just begun with a few workshops and online courses at the start of 2015. As a Los Angeles-based writer many miles away from London, I am terribly impressed with the quality of tutors, conversation, and online community. Thank you for all that you do. The details such as your always-warm design-scheme and regular updates make me feel “a part of things” from afar. – Jenelle D’Alessandro, via email, 13 Feb 2015

Poetry School is such a great resource. Many thanks at all those who work so hard at making it so fantastic!! – Spring 2016 online survey response, April 2016 I’ve had a really productive time in a safe place and with people and content that inspired! Thank you – Spring 2016 online survey response, April 2016

Congratulations on a marvellous site and excellent poetry courses – Spring 2016 online survey response, April 2016 Thank you for organising my course. The course worked well for me and left me with plenty to think about. – Richard Carpenter, via online survey, Spring 2016

‘I just wanted to say a huge thankyou for last week. I’ve been scribbling for years but have never had the courage to get to a class or take myself that seriously. I thought the class was amazing and am so looking forward to all the rest of the course. See you on Thursday. Anna Beddow, Clare Shaw’s Manchester ‘Instructions for Throwing Your Voice’ course, Autumn 2015

Part of the reason I’m doing this course is to force myself to make time to write poetry, and it is working beautifully! Liz Sage, 12 June 2014, Wunderkammer! (2014)

The Open Workshops are a great resource. Well thought out / challenging assignments and thoughtful feedback during the live chat. Thank you for the effort involved in putting on the latest one and thank you Poetry School for supporting these Clare Hepworth-Wain, 12 June 2014, Kim Moore Open Workshop (2014)

I have really enjoyed the course and everything Poetry School is doing for the cause of promoting this art … Personally, as I’ve never had any formal feedback/training it has been nothing short of utterly inspirational. Jake Higgins, April 2014, Online Feedback Course with Dai George (2014)

I’m doing How to Get Rich – Vocabulary, Idiolect and Iconography with Roddy Lumsden and the Online Feedback Course with Antony Dunn – both excellent! Peter Wise, June 2014, CAMPUS blog comment

I would be lost without The Poetry School courses. Olivia Dawson, CAMPUS Main Activity Stream, 2 July 2014

The Poetry School, via Campus and other courses, has indeed provided me, a working mum with school aged children, with access to excellent tuition and connections to the poetry community that I couldn’t otherwise have made. Louise Ordish, CAMPUS Main Activity Stream, 2 July 2014

Many thanks to you all for providing a creative and nurturing environment for poetry and poets, and special thanks for the guidance and inspiration I’ve found within your community. Tessa Lang, by email, 7 July 2014 …

As I don’t seem to have been asked for official feedback on Edmund Prestwich’s wonderful PS Course which spanned Homer’s Odyssey and Illiad and investigated a range of contemporary responses, I wish to let you know what a credit to the Poetry School these five sessions were. The academic and erudite depth of the tutor’s knowledge and understanding and the detailed and thorough preparation were key factors in making the whole experience enlightening, uplifting and inspiring. We learnt an enormous amount in this short course (a pity it could not have been longer) as well as having the opportunity to get tutor and peer feedback on our own poems written in response to the studied materials.   Vivien Finney, email , 11 July …

I would like to say it has been the most inspiring course I have taken thus far and to ask if there is any chance of the Poetry School offering any more Wunderkammer courses or workshop days?   Elisabeth Sennett Clough, Email 18 July, about Wunderkammer! (2014)

“It’s an amazing tool!” Byron King, July 22, CAMPUS  

“I have found Poetry School enormously productive both face-to-face and online.” Derek Littlewood, 4  September 2014, via email  

“What a great idea setting this up- can’t tell you how much it means to know it’s possible to connect with the outside world/ poetry community when having a newborn baby, as it can be an exceptionally solitary and challenging time!” Martha Prideaux-Brune, 3 September 2014, via email

“I am already participating in the community groups and look forward to exploring Campus more thoroughly – it seems like a fantastic resource, very accessible and informative and I am excited about its capabilities. To have access to professional poets writing in English whilst living abroad in a non-English speaking country is thrilling, it makes up for not being able to hang out at Grasmere or down in Covent Garden’s Poetry Café. Or in your own classrooms for that matter.” Anna Powney, via email, 5 September 2014 …

“I hope you will be interested to know that Indigo Dreams Press has accepted the poem I wrote out of your session on 5 Easy Pieces this summer. It will be one of three they are going to showcase. I worked away on the dynamics of the lines and Hey Presto! Thanks so much for your inspiration.” Maggie Maggie Mackay to Liane Strauss, private message, 12 September 2014 …

I’ve visited “Poetry School” website today and I really like it. I want to congratulate you for creating such a great resource for aspiring poets.   Janis Krumins, via email, 18 September   …

Hello, I just wanted to make the Poetry School aware that a poem I began writing during Helen Ivory’s ’Wunderkammer’ course has won the Portico Brotherton Prize. In addition to Helen, I would like to thank Andrew Philip, as I also drew heavily on the techniques he introduced in his ’Walking the Line’ course. Thank you, Poetry School! Elisabeth Sennitt Clough, October 23

Hello Jo, Just wanted to let you know that a poem I worked up at the start of the ‘Transreading Central Europe’ course has just won 2nd prize at the Sherborne Literary Festival. I got a grant for this course, and I know you like to keep track of successes! Jacqui Haskell, 10^th November 2014

This is just to say ‘thank you’ at the end of a great first course with the Poetry School.  It’s been an excellent experience, brilliantly run.  My goal at the start was to produce one draft I felt could be whittled into shape; I think I have managed that and have also learnt a huge amount from reading and commenting on other people’s work.  I’m busy browsing the Spring courses now. Liz Soar, email, 26^th November 2014

I hopped on to this site by providence,an initial look through is very inspiring. As a person who jots down lines at leisure, this place is one meeting point for poetic souls, I hope. Waiting to know you all. Jayne, CAMPUS Main Activity Stream, 4^th December 2014

  These workshops are a fab idea and I’ve loved the ones I’ve been on, really stretching me, a great community too. Maggie MacKay, email 3^rdDecember 2014

I’ve had some good news recently in that I’m going to have two publications out in 2015 – firstly a pamphlet with Stonewood Press in Feb/Mar, which will feature several of the Writing the Family poems that I workshopped on Hannah Lowe’s course.  Then later in the year Valley Press will bring out a full collection, including my work-in-progress Bilsthorpe sequence, which features poems from both Helen Ivory’s Wunderkammer course and also John Clegg’s Mythopoesis course.  I’m hoping to finish this sequence with the help of Re-writing the Map with Suzannah Evans, which I recently signed up for. So thank you all for your help in the development of this work – I genuinely couldn’t have got to this point without the input of the Poetry School, its fabulous tutors and also the interaction of fellow students which has become very important to me in benchmarking my work, and also taking a sounding from the market.  Di Slaney, by email, 5^th December 2014  

Thank you, Poetry School! I loved taking part in Jack Underwood’s Evening Class this past summer, as part of your summer school. A poem I started during the class has now been published in a great magazine, and I can’t wait to take another class with one of your tutors in the future. Thanks, Poetry School!   Amy Schreibman Walter, 18 December 2014

Truly deserved – I have had a couple of grants from you to do poetry courses and the resulting work has won several prizes and achieved publication – you have really boosted my career as a poet more than any other organisation. Jacqueline Haskell, by email, 4 August, 2014

Many congratulations to you and everyone at The Poetry School on this marvellous news: it is a wonderful affirmation of the invaluable work you are doing. Mimi Khalvati, by email, 2 July, 2014 …

“That money couldn’t go to a better place. Without you my poems would lurk half-formed in the drawer. You have given me skills, confidence and numerous friends. Without you my collection, my PhD in Translation, ekphrasis none of these things would have happened.” Emer Gillespie, by email, 2 July, 2014 …

I made use of the bursary last year to attend Tammy’s (Yoseloff) class and I would not have been able to study without it! This year’s study and new found love of words has quite literally changed my life for the better. I’m so very happy to be writing and to have met such a wonderful bunch of Poets. I feel quite blessed Thanks poetry school and thanks Tammy!!! Victoria Hicks, via Campus, December 2014   …

I just wanted to say that ’August Afternoon under a plane tree in Athens’ has just been accepted for publication in the 40th edition of the online literary magazine ’The Ofi Press’. A massive thank you to Dai for spotting the weakness in the original version of my poem and prompting the re-draft and to everyone who helped me with my revision. I am delighted as this is my first publication of a poem in the English language. Thank you! Vanessa Albedo-Bennu, Jan 2^nd, via CAMPUS group for ‘The One And The Many’ …

Hi Will Just wanted to drop you a personal line in total praise of Ela and the course – it has been truly wonderful and has totally changed the way I think about, read and write poetry. I cannot praise it and her enough. As you know, I got a grant for it, and I am so grateful. More please! Looking forward to seeing our pamphlet out there soon. Very best, Jacqui Haskell Email, Wednesday 28 January 2015 …

I want to thank Will Barrett behind the scenes for making this so user friendly, to the extent that a self taught pre computers non techy like myself can do it! Vicky Oliver, Maintenant! group, CAMPUS, 5 Feb 2015   …

I’ve been really enjoying this series (I even bookmarked the Jonathan Edwards one to use on future students, to show them about drafting and revising), so whoever came up with the idea for it is a genius! Jane Yeh, via email, 13 Feb 2015, about ‘How I Did It’ …

I am quite new to TPS – having only just begun with a few workshops and online courses at the start of 2015. As a Los Angeles-based writer many miles away from London, I am terribly impressed with the quality of tutors, conversation, and online community. Thank you for all that you do.  The details such as your always-warm design-scheme and regular updates make me feel “a part of things” from afar. Glad, Jenelle D’Alessandro, via email, 13 Feb 2015 … So live poetry chats are less scary than imagined & useful way of learning critiquing skills as well. Thanks @OneNightStanzas @poetryschool Clare Archibald, on Twitter, 7^th May 2015 …

Just to tell you that Sean O’Brien’s workshop was really excellent.  The standard of poetry produced was very high and he has a real gift for listening to each poem with great attention then going straight to its strengths and weaknesses.    A very rewarding day. Angela Kirby, via email, 21/06/2016 __

I always believed writing was a solitary occupation, and for that reason, I think I wrote less in the past. Since joining Campus I have realised how sociable writing can be and now I devote far more time to writing. It’s great to be part of a community of writers. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 25/06/2015 __

Courses at the Poetry School have enriched my life, providing many links with all sorts of other people engaged in the same processes of trying to write poetry. They have provided continuous challenge and stimulation to keep going. Not to mention encouragement! Also a constant standard of excellence in the tutors and many others has proved to be an anchor. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015 __

A constant source of support and inspiration Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015 __

It has broadened and enriched my experience of poetry and the writing of poetry. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015 __ I love the poetry school courses – they always inspire me to write more and I discover wonderful poets in the poems which tutors provide for discussion and as prompts and inspiration. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015 __

The Poetry School has given me a monthly focus and discipline which has been very good for my development. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015 __

The community of poets in residence for London Open Gardens and Squares weekend was very supportive. I’ve made many more links and connections. I discovered new areas for research and new materials to develop by being allocated a garden. The initial training system was invaluable in helping me to see how to develop links with the public and encourage the reading of poetry.I used the deadline of the residency weekend to work towards opening my website and posting material there. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015 __

Taking classes has had a really positive impact on my state of mind and has kept me writing when I otherwise wouldn’t have. The monthly opportunity to share work in a safe environment has been invaluable. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015 __

The community of poets in residence for London Open Gardens and Squares weekend was very supportive. I’ve made many more links and connections. I discovered new areas for research and new materials to develop by being allocated a garden. The initial training system was invaluable in helping me to see how to develop links with the public and encourage the reading of poetry.I used the deadline of the residency weekend to work towards opening my website and posting material there. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015 __

The Poetry School has taught me that poetry is ordinary (accessible to me) and extraordinary – stimulating my brain to thoughts and their creative expression that might otherwise never have happened. Evaluation Summer 2015 Survey Response, 26/06/2015   …

Hi PS – just to share the good news that a poem I produced as part of Ryan van Winkle’s ’Write what you don’t know’ course has been selected for the September issue of Envoi – so I’m really, really pleased. And a poem from Claire Trevien’s ’Home’ course was accepted by Lighthouse for their last issue!! Thanks for doing what you do. I certainly would not have come anywhere near this far in my writing without you guys and all you offer. Heartfelt thanks. And on a practical note, if it’s useful for me to draft an endorsement for your funders/Arts Council any time, then let me know! Claire Cox, 5 July 2015, via CAMPUS ….

By the way, I’ve been meaning to thank you for setting up The Poetry of Migration. I’ve found trying to write about this topic so interesting and I never would’ve done without this course. As it is I want to carry on writing about refugees (or trying to) after the course is over. The assignments have been excellent – a great course! :0) If you ever need some quotes re access to excellent teaching, fellow scribblers and pots of inspiration from the POV of a disabled peep, please feel free to ask me! Without the Poetry School I never would have got so into writing, and since it’s all I ever wanted to do, I will sing the praises of you guys at the drop of a hat :0)   From Harriet, via email, 23 March 2016 …

Thank you again for selecting my poem – I’m going to drop Kim a line on twitter to say thanks too. It was an excellent course, as was Steve Ely’s which I also did last term. You’ve had some excellent online course, some really interesting these to explore, and great tutors – shame I don’t have enough time or money to do them all!! From Emma Simon, 18 April 2016, via email   …

I took just the one course this term and I have to say that this one was excellent. Having enjoyed last term’s reading group course this one provided the extra element of weekly prompts for writing. The choice of music content and comments from Rishi were interesting, challenging and inspiring. The writing prompts were fabulous and I was taken down routes I have not travelled before, finding very exciting places! The core group of regular contributors was supportive, chatty and provided great material to read and discuss. I know that my confidence and style developed during the 10 weeks and I am looking forward to continuing the musical themed listening, reading and writing with the new community group. Massive thanks to Rishi Via online survey, Spring 2016   …

I’ve really enjoyed my online course and I hope to become a regular part of the Poetry School Community. The course prompted me to look critically at my own work and most importantly, got me reading and writing poetry again. Fantastic experience! Via online survey, Spring 2016   …

Congratulations on a marvellous site and excellent poetry courses Via online survey, Spring 2016 …

Thank you for organising my course. I tend to ‘dip my toe in’ to on line resources until I feel more confident of what and how I can find. The course worked well for me and left me with plenty to think about. It felt as if it finished rather quickly – no signing off – but I think that is inevitable and I just had not thought about it. Richard Carpenter Via online survey, Spring 2016 …

Poetry School is such a great resource. Many thanks at all those who work so hard at making it so fantastic!! Via online survey, Spring 2016

I’ve had a really productive time in a safe place and with people and content that inspired! Thank you Via online survey, Spring 2016   Since I live in Asia, the main issue for me is not being able to join courses with a live chat element and it would be nice if there were more themed courses available for the international community. I learnt far from the structured course I took than from the two online feedback courses I did. There have been many many courses that I’d love to have taken but just can’t because it’s the middle of the night! Finally, just to say a big Well Done to all the staff at the Poetry School – it’s a fabulous community which is run really well. For someone like me who writes far away in a vacuum it’s really been a lifeline. I love the visuals too! Thank you. Via online survey, Spring 2016
‘There are many levels on which the seminar is valuable to me. There is a gathering consciousness of the value of precision in my poetry that was not present before.  And an ability to both give and receive feedback at much greater depth.  I have increased my awareness of “forms” especially.  This has given my poetry a greater variety of structures within which to flourish.’ Via online survey, Spring 2016

On a personal level, the seminar is an opportunity for me to engage outside a life that often feels defined by limitations. I have managed to transmute through poetry issues with my disabilities, illness, social care assessments, the police as well as with my drug dealer neighbour and his gang.  Through poetry it is possible to challenge dehumanised strictures of poverty and bureaucracy through depicting that place where all encounter that which is ensouled. Via online survey, Spring 2016

The preciousness of feeling included, of being regarded as of worth and equal within the world of creativity, when feeling marginalised cannot be overestimated! Via online survey, Spring 2016