Aldridge Junior Signature Art Prize 2026 Announces Finalists and Winners
London, UK - The Junior Signature Art Prize returned this April for its eighth year, continuing its mission to recognise and support emerging artistic talent from across the Aldridge Foundation network of schools.
Presented in association with the Aldridge Foundation and DA Gallery, the Junior Signature Art Prize brought together young artists aged 14-18, offering students the opportunity to showcase their creativity and have their work judged by leading professionals from the art and cultural sector.
The Aldridge Foundation supports a network of academies across the UK, committed to providing high-quality education and broad opportunities for young people. With a strong focus on creativity, enterprise and personal development, Aldridge schools encourage students to explore their interests and develop the confidence and skills needed for future success.
Originally launched in 2019 in partnership with DA Gallery, the 2026 edition of the competition invited students to submit work across five categories: Fine Art, Photography, Graphics, Film and Sculpture.
This year, submissions were received from students across the Aldridge Foundation’s schools. From these entries, a panel of industry experts selected a shortlist of finalists whose work was professionally exhibited in central London.
Shortlisted artists took part in a dedicated programme that included visits to leading London galleries, behind-the-scenes insight into exhibition-making, and a celebratory preview event.
Finalists also competed for a range of prizes, with one winner awarded an internship with DegreeArt.com. As part of the prize, selected works will also be exhibited at the Signature Art Prize in November 2026, offering students the opportunity to present their work alongside established artists.
Judges and Partners:
The Junior Signature Art Prize 2026 was delivered with the support of leading organisations across the art, education and cultural sectors. The finalists were selected by an esteemed panel of judges drawn from across the industry, including representatives from Aldridge Foundation, Fujifilm, The Lowry and DA Gallery:
Lady Carol Aldridge – Trustee, Aldridge Foundation
Michael Simpson – Director of Visual Arts, The Lowry
Lauren Drage – Marketing Manager, Fujifilm
Isobel Beauchamp – Gallery Director and Co-Founder, DA Gallery
The programme was presented in association with the Aldridge Foundation and DA Gallery, with additional support from DegreeArt.com and Fujifilm.
“Each year, the ambition and individuality of the work submitted continues to grow and strengthen, which is wonderful to witness. We really do understand what goes into entering a prize like this, we know how much time, effort and hours of thought you have all dedicated. Selecting finalists was incredibly difficult so each and every artist and school featured today should feel very proud indeed.” Isobel Beauchamp, Co-Founder and Gallery Director, DA Gallery,
The 2026 Winners
FILM
Ruby from UTC@MediaCityUK
‘Never Again’
Premiere pro, canon mirrorless camera
Ruby uses film as a means of personal expression, drawing on real experiences and narrative sensitivity to create work that is both intimate and socially aware.
Lauren Entwistle present Ruby with their prize.
Judges Reflection: ‘This piece really touched your soul’.
FINE ART
Lila from Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School
‘Beetle Party’
Biro pen on paper, digital editing
Lila’s practice is rooted in patience and precision, combining traditional drawing techniques with a playful approach to composition inspired by the natural world.
Rebekah Caswell presented Lila with their prize.
Judges Reflections: “The clarity and colours are just amazing. Insects are normally cast as villainous but these are just fascinating, and you are drawn to looking at them in detail.” and “there’s no arguing the drawing skills here, and the clever use of the digital app to enhance the composition.”
GRAPHICS
Falisha from Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School
‘Who Remains’
Photoshop, digital edit
Falisha explores complex emotional themes through graphic processes, using layering, colour and typography to communicate ideas with clarity and intention.
Rebekah Caswell presented Falisha with their prize.
Judges reflection: ‘“Visually solid and particularly enjoyed use of typography”
PHOTOGRAPHY
Emily from Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School
‘Uncertainty’
Photoshop, digital editing
Emily brings a strong sense of imagination to her work, blending digital techniques with influences from animation and visual storytelling to create atmospheric imagery.
Rebekah Caswell presented Emily with their prize.
Judges reflection: ‘You can see Woodman’s influence but has a character of its own.”
SCULPTURE
Andrii from Brighton Aldridge Community Academy
‘Viking Ships- Clay’
Clay, sculpture
Martina Tie presented Andrii with their prize.
Judges reflection “It must have been so hard to create this clay work - the ties to the masts look very difficult to do!”
THE 2026 FINALISTS
FILM
Click to play
Felix & Ben from UTC@MediaCityUK
‘Commuting’
Felix and Ben present a collaborative approach that combines technical skill with creative dialogue, resulting in work that feels both considered and cohesive.
Prospect Eagle Co. from Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School
‘A Moment of Truth’
Prospect Eagle Co. approaches making with a strong sense of identity and concept, developing work that balances creative ambition with thoughtful execution.
FINE ART
Felisha from Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School
‘The Light House’
Acrylic on canvas
Felisha explores visual ideas with sensitivity and control, producing work that is both expressive and carefully resolved.
Sophie from Brighton Aldridge Community Academy
‘West Pier Burning’
Acrylic on paper
Sophie brings a thoughtful and exploratory approach to her practice, creating work that reflects both curiosity and developing technical skill.
GRAPHICS
Ava from Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School
‘Chromatic Disruptions’
Cannon camera, photoshop editing, needle, thread
Ava explores identity and self-representation through layered digital processes, combining photography, manipulation and pattern to create work that reflects the complexities of perception in contemporary media.
Emmie (Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School)
‘Midnight Bloom’
Photoshop
Emmie uses digital techniques to construct atmospheric compositions, experimenting with layering, light and surreal imagery to create visually engaging and imaginative scenes.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Marihah from Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School
‘Consumed’
Photoshop
Marihah creates work that is thoughtful and expressive, exploring ideas with a balance of creativity and control.
Olivia from UTC@MediaCityUK
‘Living in a Bubble’
Lighting, backdrop, camera, Adobe Photoshop, props (chair for model)
Olivia demonstrates a developing visual language, combining experimentation with a strong sense of composition and form.
SCULPTURE
Emily from Brighton Aldridge Community Academy
‘Hidden Messages’
Willow, tissue paper, photographs
Emily’s work reflects a considered and methodical approach, with a focus on refining both concept and execution.
Andrii from Brighton Aldridge Community Academy
Viking Ships
Willow, tissue paper, acrylic paint
THE PRIZES
Engraved trophy
Certificate
Art book
Amazon Voucher
Opportunity to exhibit at the Signature Art Prize Gala (November 2026, date TBC)
Internship opportunity for the overall winner
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy, Brighton
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, Brighton
Kensington Aldridge Academy, London
Duke’s Aldridge Academy, London
UTC@MediaCityUK, Salford
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Darwen
Darwen Vale High School, Darwen
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio, Darwen
PRESS ENQUIRIES + LINKS
Jahnai Hall, Art Prize Co-Ordinator
Jahnai@DegreeArt.com
020 73017411
Social Media Links:
@signatureartprize
@aldridgefoundation@degreeart
www.signatureartprize.com
www.aldridgefoundation.com
www.degreeart.com