The Midlands round of the prestigious ISA Art competition took place back before half term, on Thursday 6 October, at St Dominic’s Priory School in Staffordshire, with three 2022 Upper Sixth Leavers receiving recognition for their work.

Art and Photography student, Grace Leigh’s stunning and atmospheric photograph Phantom Of The River took a well-deserved first place in the Key Stage 5 Photography class. Her picture was one part of her triptych that was presented at the College’s Art Show this summer. The photo is an original unedited work, and the water in the lake was by all reports very cold. This is the third year on the run that a Princethorpe student has taken first place in the KS5 Photography class.

Then Art Scholar, Tillie Benford’s compendium of drawings, Last Day Of High School took first place in the very competitive Key Stage 5 Sketchbook class. Exploring themes of nostalgia and sentimentality her sketchbook submission showcased her preparations for her final piece that was also of an incredibly high standard.

While Art Scholar, Mary Lomas’ graphite pencil drawing Reflections Of The Dark Triad took second place in the Key Stage 5 Drawing class. Her drawing of a photographer poised to take a picture featured a self-portrait and reflection.

Princethorpe College Head of Art, Paul Hubball, was delighted, commenting, “Many congratulations to Grace, Tillie and Mary. Their pieces were exceptional, a product of many hours of work as they prepared for the A-level examinations. The girls received many compliments on the quality of the work and it is marvellous to see their talent rewarded in this way.”

Feeder school Crackley Hall also scooped two awards in the regional competition celebrating the artistic talent we have across the Foundation.

Mr Hubball went on, “This year’s judges were very tough. Their experience made them look for the best technicians on show so we were very pleased to have three students recognised.”

As class winners Grace and Tillie’s pieces now go forward to the ISA National Art Competition, that takes place at the ISA Autumn Conference later in November.