Under a clear November sky, wreaths were laid and heads bowed at Brussels’ annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Colonne du Congrès this week. Representing The British School of Brussels were the school’s Primary Student Presidents and newly appointed Year 9 Poet Laureate who gave her first public performance in the role. After our student representatives paid their respects with the laying on their wreaths, our Poet Laureate recited her specially commissioned poem, “I See Red” (see below), offering a moving reflection on remembrance, unity, and hope, earning warm praise from attendees and dignitaries.
This poignant occasion marked not only a moment of national remembrance but also the beginning of the new Poet Laureate’s journey – continuing a growing school tradition that celebrates creativity, leadership, and the power of poetry to give voice to shared experiences.
“The role means different things to different people, but for me it is like receiving a flower,” she said. “It’s beautiful and special but it’s what you do with it that matters. If you put it in a vase or keep it in your book or give it to someone. Being poet laureate is a gift, and it allows me to express myself in a way that I can’t express myself in my everyday life. I wanted to become Poet Laureate to show everyone that a passion and a dream can drive you to do amazing things.”
The role of the Poet Laureate at BSB extends far beyond mere words on paper; it embodies the spirit of creativity, empathy, and expression that we hold dear. At its core, the Poet Laureate serves as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the halls and stages of our school with the power of poetry.
The school Poet Laureate carries the leadership responsibility of writing and performing poems for important events in the BSB calendar as well as those of global significance. The role takes inspiration from the great tradition of Poet Laureates across time and across the globe, including notable UK Laureates such as John Dryden, Carol Ann Duffy, and the most recent Laureate, Simon Armitage. This tradition also extends beyond the UK, with figures like Joy Harjo, the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States, and Amanda Gorman, the Youth National Poet Laureate of America, offering rich sources of inspiration.
The Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom is an honorary position appointed by the monarch, currently on the advice of the Prime Minister. While the role does not entail specific duties, there is an expectation that the holder will write verse for significant national occasions. The origins of the laureateship date back to 1616 when a pension was provided to Ben Jonson, but the first official holder of the position was John Dryden, appointed in 1668 by Charles II.
But what exactly does it mean to be the Poet Laureate at BSB?
First and foremost, the Poet Laureate is an ambassador for the written word. They represent the very essence of literary excellence, capturing the imagination of their peers and mentors alike. Through their verses, they have the unique ability to articulate emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a manner that resonates with all who encounter their work.
Beyond the confines of our school walls, the Poet Laureate acts as a catalyst for change and reflection. Their poems serve as mirrors, reflecting the diverse tapestry of human experience. Whether addressing social issues, celebrating cultural heritage, or simply capturing the beauty of everyday life, the Poet Laureate challenges us to see the world through a different lens.
Furthermore, the title of Poet Laureate carries with it a sense of prestige and honour. It is a testament to the recipient’s dedication, talent, and passion for the written word. As such, the Poet Laureate serves as an inspiration to their peers, demonstrating that with perseverance and creativity, one can truly leave an indelible mark on the world.
“It was during the performance of ‘The Hill We Climb’ by Amanda Gorman (America’s first youth Poet Laureate) for Joe Biden’s inauguration that the lightbulb moment hit,” said Richard Long, Key Stage 3 English Coordinator, who established the role at BSB. “I thought to myself, ‘Every school should have a youth Poet Laureate – someone who can represent the voice of their community in such a creative and powerful way.’ Poetry is a wonderful vehicle for expressing thoughts and emotions, free from the constraints and ingrained rules of prose. It’s a wonderfully liberating art form, especially in regard to its oral tradition.”
BSB looked to appoint its first Poet Laureate in 2022. Students were made aware that the Poet Laureate would be a highly prestigious position that would carry the leadership responsibility of writing and performing poems for important events in the school calendar as well as those of global significance that are widely celebrated and commemorated. The position was not to be taken light-heartedly, but at the same time it was an opportunity for an individual to develop their voice, as well as speaking on behalf of the school community.
“My writing process in general consists of a piece of paper or two and a pen,” says our new Poet Laureate, who was passed the baton by her predecessor at the 2025 BSB Book Festival’s Author Evening in October. “Then the rest flows out of me. It sounds simple but it’s true. I have an idea in my mind of what I want my poem to be about; I visualise it as a picture or a movie in my head then I just write. I write and let my words lead the way to finishing that last stanza in my poem. Letting the words spill out on paper and just letting my inner poet take control.”
The BSB Poet Laureate embodies the very essence of artistic excellence and community engagement. Their words have the power to uplift, inspire, and provoke thought, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come. As we continue to nurture the talents of our students, let us never underestimate the profound impact of poetry in shaping hearts, minds, and souls.
Interested in joining the BSB community? Please contact our Admissions team for more details.