The Cranmer Awards

An annual national competition organised by the Prayer Book Society.

“It’s a really powerful and wonderful thing to hear young people reciting passages, mainly of scripture, from the Book of Common Prayer."

says Bradley Smith , Chairman of the PBS.

Open to young people from all backgrounds and faiths aged 11 – 18, split into Juniors and Seniors (11 – 14 and 15 – 18). Competitors recite passages of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Regional heats are followed by a prestigious National Final, where cash prizes of £250, £150 and £100 are offered for section winners and runners up.

The Cranmer Awards FAQ's

How do I enter a candidate for the Cranmer Awards?

Please look for a heat closest to you on the list below and click on the link to contact the heat organiser. If you cannot find a heat, please contact the National Administrator at .

Do I have to live in the diocese of the heat?

No. You can enter any heat which is convenient for you. For instance if you live in Gloucester, you might chose to enter either of the heats in Worcester or Hereford. Some dioceses have more than one heat.

When do the heats start?

School and Church heats are held in the autumn. Please see list below. Dates will be shown when the venue has been organised.

What is expected at the heat?

Candidates choose a passage(s) from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and read aloud between 3 – 5 minutes to the audience. The chosen passage(s) should be spoken in a manner appropriate for a church service and any form of dramatisation should be discouraged. Heats can be held in school theatres or halls, or churches.

When and where is the final to be held?

The final is held on the last Saturday of February. The 2027 final of the Cranmer Awards will take place on Saturday 27 February at the University of St John, York.

What is expected at the final?

Candidates choose a passage(s) from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and recite aloud between 3 – 5 minutes to the audience. This could be in a large spectacular setting as the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court or a cathedral. The judges will be looking, amongst other things for; clarity and projection; fluency and rhythm; natural, intelligent communication of meaning and secure, accurate, memorisation and timing.

Can I apply online?

Yes but look at list of local heats first to see if there’s one close to you. If not apply online.

Where can I find a passage?

You can find the whole Book of Common Prayer online here

Contact the National Administrator

Email the National Administrator

Safeguarding and the Cranmer Awards

The Prayer Book Society takes safeguarding seriously. The Cranmer Awards are overseen nationally with appropriate safeguarding arrangements in place. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. For safeguarding contacts and further information, please see our Safeguarding page.

Local Heats

Sodor and Man - 26th April 2026

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Chester - 7 November

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Salisbury South - 14 November

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Guildford - 17th November

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Rochester - 18 November

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Salisbury North - 5 December

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Apply online

The online entries for the 2027 Cranmer Awards are now open. Entries must be received by Sunday 6th December.

Find out more

The Cranmer Awards Final

POETRY BROADENS CRANMER APPEAL

A poetry competition based on the life and work of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer is set to broaden the appeal of the Prayer Book Society’s annual Cranmer Awards.

In its 38th year, the 2027 Cranmer Awards is inviting students in Junior and Senior age groups to write a verse about the author of the Book of Common Prayer.

“We wanted to broaden the appeal of our annual Cranmer Awards,” says Bradley Smith, Chairman of the PBS. “Poetry offers a different dimension to express an insight and emotions about the life and work of Cranmer. It also offers a significant alternative to reciting passages from the BCP in front of an audience” he says.

Entries will be appraised by a panel of four independent judges. The top three poems from each age category (11-15 years and 15-18 years) will then be displayed at the national final of the Cranmer Awards, to be staged in York in February 2027. There they will be judged by all those attending, who will vote for their favourite on the day.

All the poems must be original and not previously published or submitted elsewhere.

Cash prizes of £150, £100, and £50.00 are offered to the winner and runners up.

The closing date for online entries is Sunday 6th December. Competition rules can be downloaded below. Entries to be emailed to .

The Cranmer Awards

“It’s a really powerful and wonderful thing to hear young people reciting passages, mainly of scripture, from the Book of Common Prayer."

The Cranmer Awards FAQ's

How do I enter a candidate for the Cranmer Awards?

Do I have to live in the diocese of the heat?

When do the heats start?

What is expected at the heat?

When and where is the final to be held?

What is expected at the final?

Can I apply online?

Where can I find a passage?

Contact the National Administrator

Safeguarding and the Cranmer Awards

Local Heats

Apply online

The Cranmer Awards Final

POETRY BROADENS CRANMER APPEAL

The Cranmer Awards RESOURCES

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