PRIZE POET: Northwood schoolgirl’s poetry is big hit with judges in national competition

A Northwood schoolgirl has claimed one of the top prizes at a national poetry contest.

Leyla, 11, came first out of thousands of entries in the under 12s category of The London Society’s prestigious poetry competition.

Buoyed by positive feedback on her poems from her teachers at St Helen’s School, Leyla decided to take the plunge and enter her poem, titled My London, into the competition.

A spokesperson for St Helen’s School said: “Leyla’s poem captivated the judges, with depth, emotion, and a maturity beyond her years.

“At St Helen’s, we encourage our students to be bold, to express themselves, and to explore their imagination.

“Leyla’s success is an example of the wealth of talent and ability that makes up our student body and we are very proud of her and her achievement.”

Photo Credit: St Helen’s School