The winners of the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2026 were announced today, with the winning artwork on display at an exhibition in London’s City Hall until mid-June. The 2026 awards marks 10 years since Cass Art began sponsoring the competition, awarding prizes to schoolchildren across London.
This year’s competition was judged by author and illustrator Marion Deuchars, known for the Let’s Make Some Great Art series of art activity books which have won numerous awards and been translated into 22 languages.
Every year, schoolchildren across London are invited to create artwork inspired by past and present commissions for Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth. It is open to all primary and secondary schools in the capital, for schoolchildren between the ages of 5 and 15. A total of 51 prizes of art materials supplied by Cass Art have been awarded to the winning entries, including to the following age group winners:
Age Group 5-7: Balloon Face by Edith from Godwin Junior School, Newham
Age Group 8-11: Everything by Anh and Gabriel from Pickhurst Academy, Bromley
Age Group 12-15: Sabertooth Tiger by Hector from Sutton Grammar School
The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square is one of the most important art commissions worldwide, putting new work by internationally renowned artists into the heart of London. Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times an Instant) by artist Teresa Margolles is in situ until September 2026, when it will be replaced by Lady in Blue by Tschabalala Self.
The Fourth Plinth Schools Awards gives children a chance to get involved with public art and offer new views of London. Since the awards started in the 2008 there have been more than 40,000 entries. This year’s competition saw entries from 1,800 students from across London. Those entering can use any medium, including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and digital to create their artwork. Group and individual entries are welcome. Previous judges have included Mark Wallinger, Yinka Shonibare CBE, David Shrigley, Heather Phillipson and Rankin.
Marion Deuchars said:
“It was such a pleasure to judge this year’s Fourth Plinth Schools Awards. I was so impressed by the originality of the work and the confidence of many students in developing ideas that felt personal and well considered. Some pieces made me laugh out loud, while others were more thoughtful and reflective, taking on challenging subjects and handling them with maturity and sensitivity. A special mention to the teachers who encouraged and facilitated the project, their commitment shone through”.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, said: “London’s Fourth Plinth is the most famous public art commission in the world and it was brilliant to receive so many inspiring entries from students across London for our Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2026. Every year it is a delight to see the imagination and creativity of our next generation and I’d like to congratulate the three winners. The winning artwork will go on display at City Hall for all to enjoy as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
The winners of the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2026 can be seen on a digital guide available on the free Bloomberg Connects mobile app: https://www.bloombergconnects.org
