The Poetry Society and the T. S. Eliot Prize are delighted to open applications for a fifth year of the Young Critics Scheme.
This prestigious partnership programme offers ten emerging poetry reviewers aged 18–25 in the UK and Ireland the opportunity to develop their practice. The successful applicants will attend workshops on poetry reviewing, video-making and editing before creating their own video reviews of the T. S. Eliot Prize 2026 Shortlist.
The workshops include sessions with experienced critics Kadish Morris and Helen Bowell.
The video reviews will appear on the T. S. Eliot Prize and The Poetry Society’s websites, social media and YouTube channels in the run-up to the announcement of the winner of the T. S. Eliot Prize in January 2027. In previous years, Young Critics’ video reviews have been widely shared online by readers, publishers, poets and critics. Several Young Critics alumni have since been invited to review for leading magazines including The Poetry Review, Poetry London and Magma.
Applications are open now and close on 17 August 2026. Find out more and submit your application HERE.
This Scheme is aimed at excited, engaged and thoughtful readers of contemporary poetry who can demonstrate good critical thinking and writing skills, and are committed to developing these skills and learning more about reviewing poetry. Applications from writers underrepresented in poetry reviewing are encouraged, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds; d/Deaf and disabled writers; working class writers; and LGBTQ+ writers. No previous reviewing or poetry writing experience is required.
Some of our 2025 Young Critics have shared their experiences and top tips for anyone thinking of applying. Check out these videos from Ishita Uppadhayay (see above) and Lucas Sheridan (see below).
Prospective applicants can also join a free online taster workshop featuring reviewing exercises and a Q&A with 2025 Young Critic Molly Knox. The workshop will take place from 6–7pm on Monday 10 August and will be recorded. Find out more and book the workshop and Molly’s Q&A HERE.
You can view all of the inspiring and insightful Young Critics’ videos to date on the T. S. Eliot Prize YouTube channel. Budding reviewers may also benefit from two features published on Young Poets Network as part of the first Scheme: How To Write A Poetry Review and 15 Top Tips From Leading Critics.
