Norfolk Primary School Art Competition 2026

Source: Norfolk Churches Trust

Step inside a Norfolk church and you'll find yourself surrounded by wonders - medieval carvings, stone angels, vibrant stained glass and grotesque gargoyles. These aren't museum exhibits behind glass; they're living treasures in buildings that have stood for centuries, often just a short walk from our schools.

As part of the celebrations to mark the Trust's 50th Anniversary we are launching the Norfolk Primary School Art Competition, and we are inviting children across our county to discover these extraordinary places and capture what they see through art.

Why This Matters

I am passionate about giving young children the opportunity to truly see these buildings, not just from the outside as they walk past or drive by, but to step inside and experience the wonder within. My hope is that once children discover what lies behind those ancient doors, they will want to explore more, and their imaginations will be captured in ways that screens and technology simply cannot achieve.

As a School Governor, I know our Norfolk schools are facing difficult budget cuts, and the arts often suffer. This competition helps: the winning school receives £500 worth of art equipment from Abacus Resources, second place wins £250 worth, and the winning children receive bundles of art supplies.

Beyond the prizes, this gives the next generation a chance to engage with these extraordinary heritage sites - places of beauty and calm that tell stories of our past.

Three Age Categories

The competition will be judged in three age categories, ensuring every primary school child has a fair chance to participate.

How You Can Help

Please help us promote this opportunity to schools and families across Norfolk. Encourage your local primary schools to take part and tell your children or grandchildren to ask their teachers about entering.

The finalists will be judged by Susie Fowler-Watt (BBC Look East Presenter), Ben Youngs (former England rugby player), and Lauren Hemp (England professional footballer).

For more information and to enter follow this link : https://norfolkchurchestrust.org.uk/events/schools-art-competition/

Closing date: 17th April 2026. For more information and the application form, please visit our website.

The winners will be presented with their prizes by Dame Emma Bridgewater at Norwich Cathedral on 17th June 2026.

We look forward to seeing the wonderful art this competition inspires!

Thankyou

Rosabelle Batt
Chairman of the Norfolk Churches Trust

Download a copy of the flyer HERE.