With the theme being “Belonging”, it reflected our shared commitment to inclusion, community and celebrating what connects us across our schools; One Trust, One Family. Each of our schools explored the theme and submitted their entries.
Hosted by Mrs Hughes, English teacher at The Brian Clarke Academy, the evening featured live performances of original poetry, recitals, and readings from students of primary and secondary ages. Special guest poet Oliver James Lomax joined the event, sharing his work and inspiring our young writers to find the confidence and meaning in their own work.
The event concluded with a collective recital of the winning poem, “The Beauty of Belonging” by Alexis Oiwoh, a pupil at East Crompton St George’s Primary School.
Belonging means I am not alone, It means I’ve found a special zone
With friends who smile and call my name, And teachers who are glad I came
Belonging means I have a voice, To laugh, to share, to make a choice.
In every group, in every song, I feel I truly do belong.
Belonging is more than just a place, It’s kindness, love, and warm embrace.
It's knowing I can just be me, And still be part of all I see.
In class, at lunch, or on the swing, Belonging is a joyful thing
It's helping hands and caring hearts, It’s how our friendship truly starts.
Belonging lives in you and me, It’s how the world was meant to be.
- Alexis Oiwoh, Student at one of our Primary Schools
Alexis’s poem beautifully captured the essence of belonging, friendship, kindness, and the joy of being part of a community that welcomes everyone.
The competition encouraged students across our schools to express their voices, reflect on inclusion, and explore how belonging shapes who we are.
“Learning a poem by heart is a gift that stays with you for the rest of your life. When your share that gift with your community, it comes alive and strengthens our bonds. We connect through the shared experiences and emotions which make us human."
"This event was incredibly special - not only did it bring our community together to share the joy of poetry, but it also gave our students a platform to shine and flourish through creative expression."
- Mrs Hughes, English Teacher at Brian Clarke
At Cranmer Education Trust, belonging is more than a theme, it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our strapline, “Building Belonging,” captures this commitment.
When we build belonging, we build confidence, curiosity, and ambition. It’s something we actively create every day, in classrooms, in leadership, and across our community of schools.
Belonging gives our students and staff the security to thrive, to take risks, and to know they are part of something bigger than themselves. It reflects our belief that improvement doesn’t come from top-down directives, but from connected communities where people pull together.
As our Trust continues to grow, so too does our sense of belonging. We don’t lose our humanity, we strengthen it.
Building Belonging for Learners. Building Belonging for Leaders. Building Belonging in Our Communities.
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The Cranmer Poets event was more than a showcase of talent, it was a celebration of shared values, imagination, and voice. Every performance was a reminder that belonging isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we build, together, every day.
Congratulations to all students who took part. Your words and performances truly reflected the spirit of our Trust. We look forward to what our students present in next years Cranmer Poets.
#OneTrustOneFamily
