Art Bytes, a national art programme for school years 5 and 9, has announced the opening of registrations for its 2026 competition for schools across England. The programme, which aims to promote inclusivity and creativity in young students, has seen a significant increase in participation over the years, with over 6,825 students from 273 schools entering the competition to date.
As more schools recognize the benefits of the programme for their students, the number of entries has doubled each year. It is expected that over 200 schools will participate in the 2026 competition. Art Bytes is open to all schools in England and utilizes a national voting system for its shortlist. The winners are then chosen by a judging panel consisting of representatives from the educational sector, professional artists, and the National Society of Education in Art and Design (NSEAD).
Among the past winners is James Murphy, the first recipient of the forerunner programme, dot-art Schools. Murphy, who now runs a successful film company, credits his success to winning the art competition. The confidence he gained from participating in Art Bytes gave him the push he needed to pursue his chosen career path.
The programme has received support from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has pledged to “place the arts back where they belong.” The Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, which is eagerly awaited, is expected to confirm the importance of art education in schools. Despite the widespread recognition of the benefits of art education for children, recent research by AccessArt has shown a decrease in investment in the arts in education, with the average spend on a primary school student being as low as £1.80 per year.
Lucy Byrne, managing director of Art Bytes, emphasized the accessibility and inclusivity of the programme, stating, “The Art Bytes programme is inclusive, accessible, and supportive, and proves that art really is for everyone.” She also stressed the importance of providing children with the opportunity to build confidence, showcase their talents, and feel proud of their achievements.
In a time where funding and representation for the arts are lacking, Byrne believes it is crucial for students’ formative years not to be devoid of art. She expressed pride in the role Art Bytes plays in ensuring that every child sees themselves as creative.
The competition culminates in events at high-profile arts venues across England, such as Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, The Saatchi Gallery in London, and The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds. The exposure in leading galleries and museums aims to demonstrate that the world of arts is inclusive and open to students from all backgrounds, including those with special educational needs.
A virtual gallery allows schools to display their students’ submissions and encourage friends and family to vote for them, bringing together the wider school community in participation. Penny Hamilton, a teacher from Monkton Park Primary School in Wiltshire, shared her experience, stating, “Art Bytes has become an integral part of our school calendar. The children promoted the voting this year, which was wonderful. They led an assembly, planned a gallery event for parents to see the artwork and vote, and made banners and information booklets for parents.”
The programme has also received strong representation from schools catering to students with special educational needs. Two of the eight overall competition winners to date have come from these schools, showcasing the talents of their students and the support of their teachers. Paula Morgan, Assistant Head Teacher at Crosby High School in Merseyside, expressed her pride in seeing her students compete and hold their own in a mainstream forum.
Registration for the programme is now open and can be done online for a small fee that covers all of the school’s entrants. Teachers are encouraged to register before December 31st to ensure their school’s participation. Pictures of students’ artwork must be submitted by the February 2026 half-term.
About Art Bytes:
Art Bytes is a national art and EdTech programme for year 5 and year 9 students in all educational settings. It combines an inter-school art competition with a bespoke, immersive virtual gallery and in-person Celebration Events in cultural venues across England. The programme, based on 13 years of experience in the North West, aims to nurture talent, raise ambition, and develop confidence, cultural capital, and vital skills for future employment. Art Bytes also supports mental health and promotes cultural engagement among young participants. The programme is open to year 5 and year 9 students in all educational settings and culminates in events at high-profile cultural venues in each of the nine regions of England. More information can be found at https://artbytes.co.uk/.
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