With creative subjects being cut from school timetables across the country, the dot-art Schools programme is fighting back, and the results are on the walls of one of the UK’s most prestigious galleries.

The dot-art Schools 2026 delivered in partnership with Springboard, culminates in an exhibition now on at the Walker Art Gallery, showcasing work by Year 5 and Year 9 students from almost 90 schools across the Liverpool City Region. For many of these children, it is the first time their work has been displayed in a public space.

Secondary Runner Up – Laraib with her family, enjoying her success.

Now in its 14th year the programme arrives at a critical moment. Across the UK, schools are dropping arts subjects in favour of academic subjects, driven by funding pressures and league table priorities. The number of students taking GCSE Art has fallen 42% since 2010. Teachers and education experts warn that an entire generation risks growing up without meaningful access to creative education.

David Al-Hadithi, Creative Director, of Springboard Advertising & Media (Sponsoring dot-art Schools 2025-26) said: “Liverpool has always been a city of creativity and culture, by supporting dot-art Schools, we’re helping the next generation of creative thinkers find their voice and develop their talent, that aligns perfectly with our values and is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Primary Overall Winner Camden and his family admiring his work at the Walker Art Gallery exhibition.

Claire Benjamin, Head of Learning & Participation, National Museums Liverpool comments:

“The dot-art Schools Exhibition is a standout event in the Walker Art Gallery programme, celebrating the extraordinary creativity of children and young people across the region. Through our partnership with dot-art and schools, we’re helping ensure that art remains a powerful medium for self-expression, especially for young people who may not otherwise have access to creative opportunities or resources.”

Secondary Overall Winner Savannah and her proud mother with her winning artwork.

Winners were honoured at a prize-giving ceremony at St George’s Hall, with the overall winners selected by special guest judge Adele Darlington following a shortlisting panel and a public online vote. The process from school submissions to professional judging, to public vote, to gallery exhibition, gives students a real art world experience.

Guest Judge Adele Darlington with Junior – Primary Runner Up, Banks Road Primary School.

Carolyn Murray, dot -art Schools Project Manager comments “We believe creativity isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. At a time when arts education is under real pressure, dot-art Schools is proof of what’s possible when communities invest in young people’s creative futures. The work on display at the Walker this year is extraordinary, and every piece represents a child who was given the chance to express themselves and be recognised for it.”

2026 dot-art Schools Results

Primary

Overall Winner: “Fire Dancer” by Camden Hopkins, Blackmoor Park Junior School

Runner Up: “The many greens of summer” by Cora Daniel, Our Lady Bishop Eton Catholic Primary School

Runner Up: “Towering Terror” by Junior, Banks Road Primary School

Secondary

Overall Winner:  “Expressionist Seascape” by Savannah Baig Rose, The Academy of St Nicholas

Runner Up: “Eye of the Tiger” by Lucy H, Alt Bridge School

Runner Up: “Lifestyle and fashion collage”, by Laraib Mashaba, Childwall Sports & Science Academy

See It for Yourself

The dot-art Schools 2026 Exhibition is free and open to the public at the Walker Art Gallery from Thursday 4th June through Sunday 5th July 2026. Open daily 10am–5pm (closed Mondays).

Young visitors are invited to take part in a “Draw your Rights” drawing activity, adding their own work in response to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to a Mini Gallery that grows throughout the exhibition.