A-Level Art Competition 2025/26 Results

We are delighted to announce that the winner of The Arts Society's 2025/26 A Level Art Competition is Pax McDowell from Truro School for his piece, Urchin & Bowl (inspired by Barbara Hepworth). Pax was put forward by The Arts Society Truro.

Pax said, “I’m thrilled and honoured to have my copper urchin chosen as it represents so much of my home county, Cornwall and our amazing marine environment, the inspiration of so many artists. I would like to thank my teachers at Truro School and in the wider community, local artists and the Cornish craftsmen who took time to pass on endangered copper working skills and techniques, so I could use them myself to bring my vision to life.”

Chris Baker, Head of Design and Technology / Art and Design - 3D at Truro School, added, "Pax's work celebrates and sympathetically draws from Cornwall's skilled craftsmen and women, while reflecting its wonderful marine environment. His maturity and skill in working with his hands to shape this beautiful piece of work will continue to help inspire young artists at Truro School and in the wider community and we are hugely excited and grateful to have had this work recognised by The Arts Society for the A Level prize."

In second place, is Erika Ralph from St Peter’s School, Huntingdon with her piece, Recipe for Disaster. She was nominated by The Arts Society Huntingdonshire.

In third place, is James Lawless from Kimbolton School with his piece, Dance. James was nominated by The Arts Society Huntingdonshire.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the public vote. To see all the entries please click here.

The Chair of The Arts Society, Jeremy Thomas, said:  "Our 2025 A Level Art Competition saw a wide spectrum of stunning entries, with the three prizes going to a sculpture, a mixed media work and a digital photograph. Three very different but very worthy winners!  What sort of art will win next time? That will be up to you, and we will look forward to seeing more amazing submissions. We aim to build this competition into a major force in promoting art in schools so I do encourage more Societies to get involved."

Details of the next Art Competition will be sent to our Member Societies over the coming months.