The 2025-2026 Keats-Shelley Prizes

The Keats-Shelley Prize, inaugurated in 1998 by the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association, encourages writers of all ages to respond to the work of the Romantics. The prize includes two competitions: the Keats-Shelley Prize for poetry and the Young Romantics Prize for essays, aimed at those aged 16-18. The theme for the 2025-26 competition is “Dystopia” or “Utopia,” marking the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s novel, The Last Man. Winners receive £1000, with two highly commended entrants receiving £500 each.

Submissions to the essay prize are totally free to make. Submissions to the poetry prize cost £10 per entry.

Submissions to the essay prize cannot exceed 3,000 words and must be original pieces of work. Essay judge Professor Sharon Ruston writes: ‘I want to read a well-organised, lively, and well-expressed essay. It should be arguing a point and offer persuasive evidence in its case. We are also looking for someone who has a deep and creative interest in Keats, Shelley or their circle.’

The deadline for submissions is 2 February 2026.

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Enquiries about submissions should be directed to the Keats-Shelly Memorial Association. Please always refer to their website for complete details and information. 

Please note, this call is run by Keats-Shelly Memorial Association, not the Commonwealth Foundation.