Prep Head Girl named Suffolk Winner in BBC and Latitude Young Poet Competition

Ipswich High School is delighted to announce that Connie, Year 6 Head Girl, has been named the Suffolk winner in the 2026 BBC and Latitude Young Poet Competition.

Connie, aged 11, will now perform her winning poem live on Latitude Festival’s iconic floating Waterfront Stage at Henham Park, Suffolk, on Thursday 23rd July 2026, as part of the opening celebrations for the festival’s 20th anniversary.

The competition, run in partnership between the BBC and Latitude Festival, invited children aged 7 to 11 from across the East of England to write a poem of up to 200 words on the theme of Generations. Connie’s poem impressed the judging panel with its creative exploration of popular music across the generations, from Baby Boomers to Gen Alpha, featuring references to Dolly Parton, the Goo Goo Dolls and Coldplay.

Last week, Connie travelled to the BBC Look East television studios in Norwich, where she filmed her poem and was interviewed about her achievement. She is now one of six finalists, each representing a BBC local radio area, who will take to the stage at Latitude Festival. An overall winner will be announced during the festival weekend, with the prize including backstage tickets for the winner and their family.

The opportunity began after Ipswich High School Prep Head Teacher, Mrs Finch, encouraged pupils to enter the competition and write their own poems on the theme of Generations.

Mrs Finch said: “We are incredibly proud of Connie. Her poem is original, thoughtful and full of personality, and it is wonderful to see her creativity recognised in such an exciting competition. To be selected as the Suffolk winner and invited to perform at Latitude Festival is a fantastic achievement.”

Connie’s success is a very special moment for the whole Ipswich High School community, and everyone at the school wishes her the very best as she prepares to perform her poem on stage at Latitude.