To enter the competition, United Learning students aged 15-18 are invited to submit an original artwork which could be a drawing, painting or 2D mixed media piece. Having wowed the judges with her piece, entitled ‘Ordinary/Extraordinary’, Phoebe will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Japan in August to see her artwork exhibited in the National Art Centre, Tokyo, one of the city’s most highly regarded exhibition sites. The three runners up will also have their pieces displayed in the exhibition.

After all entries were received, the judging took place in two stages. First, pupils, parents, teachers and members of the public were invited to vote for their favourite pieces on social media, before art teachers across the Group selected a shortlist of just ten, announced in early March. These artworks were then displayed at the Leadership Conference in Manchester later in the month where attendees, including headteachers and senior leaders from across United Learning, voted to choose a winner. Tina Ramos Ekongo, a professional artist, also provided her expertise and assisted the judges in making their decision.

The runners up were:

· Meyra from Avonbourne Academy with their piece entitled ‘Serenity’

· Anne from Ashford School with their piece entitled ‘My Father’

· Tom from Lincoln Minster School with their piece entitled ‘A hole in the room’

Professional artist Tina Ramos Ekongo said:

“It's always a pleasure to collaborate with an organisation which supports the development of creative young people in the country. I am very impressed with the high quality of work presented at this year’s competition. Congratulations to all participants.”

Ben Antell, Director of Secondary Academies at United Learning, said:

“Many congratulations to our fantastic winner Phoebe and runners up on their extraordinary artworks. The judges were hugely impressed by each of their works and by the skill and creativity on show. As ever, the standard was incredibly high and we were lucky to have a fantastic variety of entries this year, showcasing the breadth of talent we have at United Learning. Well done to everyone who took part on another brilliant competition.”

Tina is a visual artist currently living and working in the North West of England. She frequently runs creative workshops for young people in Warrington and helped judge United Learning’s International Art Competition in 2023.

Examples of Tina’s work can be found on her Instagram and Twitter.