The Spanish department is delighted to announce that Year 13 student Rebecca has been awarded a commendation in the Stephen Spender School’s laureate Prize 2025.  Rebecca’s entry into the KS5 category - a translation of ‘Te Recuerdo Como Eras En El Último Otoño’ by renowned Chilean poet Pablo Nerud – was commended for her creative response accompanying her translation.  

Rebecca told us: “I chose the poem because it expressed love and longing, both complex, timeless and universal emotions. The vulnerability of Neruda really resonated with me. I liked the versatility of the love poem as its message extends beyond romance to include platonic and family love too.”  

The Stephen Spender Prize is an annual competition for poetry in translation that celebrates the creativity of young people across the UK and Ireland, and those studying at British schools overseas. The Prize has several categories and welcomes translations from all languages.  

Translation invites students to discover new cultures and languages while deepening their understanding of their own. The Stephen Spender Prize celebrates this creative exchange, showcasing poetry from around the world. 

Now in its 20th year, the Prize has grown from a small poetry translation competition into a nationwide celebration of young translators, with dedicated awards for schools and emerging talent. This year’s winners and commended entries were announced at a virtual Celebration Event in November. 

About the Stephen Spender Prize

See the Stephen Spender Prize Commendees