The art competition, now in its 15th year, challenges students aged between 15 and 18 across United Learning to draw, print or paint an original piece of artwork and submit a high-quality digital photograph of the piece. Those students who finish in the final four are given the opportunity to have their work displayed at the International High School Arts Festival in Tokyo, with the winner’s piece acting as the UK’s entry to the showcase.  

This year saw nearly 50 young artists from 17 academies and independent schools across the country take part in the competition. To be in with a chance of winning, students had to rank highly in two rounds of voting. The first took place on social media – with over 10,000 votes cast on Facebook and Instagram – and amongst the Group’s art teachers.  

Those students who ranked in the top ten progressed to the second and final stage of the competition where their pieces were voted on by Headteachers and Chairs of Governors at the Group’s annual leadership conference in Manchester. There, professional artist Tina Ramos Ekongo also provided her expert thoughts and gave the artists some valuable feedback.  

Speaking to winning student Molly about her piece, Tina said: 

“This is a great use of acrylic paint – you really understand light, shadows, and perspective and know how to interpret what you see. If this style of still life paintings is what you love, then keep doing it!” 

Molly, as well as the three runners-up, were announced via social media on 20th March.  

The runners-up were: 

• Lacey from Kettering Buccleuch Academy, with her piece ‘Where Would I Be If I Was My Brain?’  

• Freya from Guildford High School, with her piece ‘Wavering’ 

• Evelyn, also from Guildford High School, with her piece ‘Quiddity’ 

Commenting on the high standard of art at the competition, Tina said: 

“It was great to judge the work of these young artists and I am thankful to United Learning for the opportunity to be involved. It was refreshing to see the high level of submissions presented to the competition and shortlisted for the final. This is a reflection of the involvement and commitment from students and teachers to arts and creative expression which is very important. I believe that competitions like this are essential to encourage young people to pursue artistic careers and motivate them to continuing creating.” 

Dame Sally Coates, Director of Secondary Academies at United Learning, said: 

“Congratulations to all our young artists who submitted pieces to this year’s International Art Competition. As always, we were highly impressed with the contributions that were made and the imagination, creativity and artistry displayed by students across the Group. Well done in particular to Molly, as well as Lacey, Freya and Evelyn, who will now see their artwork exhibited in Tokyo this summer. All four students are thoroughly deserving of this recognition and I look forward to seeing them continue to hone and develop their exceptional talents in the years to come.”