Teen was ‘shocked’ at winner status

A teenager has been crowned the city’s new Young Poet Laureate after impressing judges with a powerful collection of poems exploring race, immigration and society.

Moyin Adeyeni, a student at Ark Charter Academy, took the top spot in a city-wide competition open to young people aged 11 to 17.

The competition was organised by Portsmouth Poetry in partnership with Portsmouth City Council’s Libraries and Archives Service as part of the city’s centenary celebrations, marking 100 years since Portsmouth was granted city status.

Ark Charter Academy student Moyin Adeyeni has been named Young Poet Laureate for Portsmouth following a city-wide poetry competition.

Pictured: Moyin Adeyeni — Ark Charter Academy student Moyin Adeyeni has been named Young Poet Laureate for Portsmouth following a city-wide poetry competition. Pictured: Moyin Adeyeni | Ark Charter Academy

placeholder image — Ark Charter Academy student Moyin Adeyeni has been named Young Poet Laureate for Portsmouth following a city-wide poetry competition. Pictured: Moyin Adeyeni | Ark Charter Academy

Judges were particularly struck by the distinctive quality of Moyin’s writing, describing the entries as a “treasure trove of poetry” and comparing the 15-year-old’s work to “finding a diamond amongst the treasure chest”.

Moyin said: “I was very shocked to find out that I won it as I wasn’t even initially going to apply. It is such a such a great opportunity and I’m so excited to see where it will take me.

“I’m very grateful to my family because they always push me to achieve my goals. My parents worked very hard to move us from Nigeria to the UK which I will always be grateful for. I explore what being an immigrant looks like through my writing and my poetry and I 100 per cent believe that everyone is equal no matter where they came from. I am so ready to represent young people in Portsmouth through my writing.”

As Young Poet Laureate for 2026-27, Moyin will represent young writers across Portsmouth, taking part in civic events, meeting fellow poets, and encouraging more young people to engage with poetry and creative writing.

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Throughout her year in the role, Moyin will be mentored by local poet Majid Dhana of the 432 Nomads collective, supporting the development of her writing and performance skills and helping her take advantage of opportunities across the city.

Ark Charter Academy associate assistant principal, Alice Fisher, said: “Moyin is an exceptional young writer whose talent, insight and authenticity shine through in everything she creates. To be selected from a strong field of young poets from across Portsmouth is a remarkable achievement, and we are incredibly proud of her.”

Alice said the student “is a wonderful ambassador for Ark Charter and her community, and we look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes during her year as Young Poet Laureate.”