The winners of the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2025 were announced today, with the winning artwork on display at an exhibition in London’s City Hall
The winners of the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2025 were announced today, with the winning artwork on display at an exhibition in London’s City Hall until 20 June. This year’s competition was judged by children’s author Onjali Q. Raúf MBE.
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 49 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: Sylvi from Faraday School Tower, Hamlets
Age Group 8-11: Lucas from Kings College School, Merton
Age Group 12-15: Sadaf from Cumberland Community School, Newham
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.
15 works have been displayed on the iconic site to date. Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times an Instant) by artist Teresa Margolles is in situ until September 2026.
St Martin-In-the-Fields is Trafalgar Square is once again partnering with the FourthPlinth Schools Awards to fabricate a Children’s Plinth set within the historic building. This follows the success of the inaugural display last year.
Onjali Q. Raúf MBE said:
“In a world where so many grown-ups seem increasingly incapable of thinking, speaking or even dreaming humanely, raising the visions and voices of children as a reminder of just how beautiful, colourful, clever and empathetic the world can be, is an ever crucial act. It has been an honour to have judged this year's Fourth Plinth School Awards and to know that three incredibly talented young artists will have their messages to the world literally elevated upon the hallowed grounds of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. I truly hope people from every spectrum of age, faith and race traversing this great city, will see the unforgettable messages these winners convey and carry it with them for the rest of their days. Such is the power of art, and such is the joy gifted to us all when children can have their say, in a medium that is truly universal.”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, said:
“The Fourth Plinth is the most important sculpture prize in the world and it gets everyone talking about art. So it’s a real joy to see so many talented young Londoners share their amazing artworks and ideas for the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards. Access to art provides many benefits, from practical skills to supporting positive mental health, and almost 40,000 young people have so far been involved in the awards, proving how important it is that all young people are given the chance to express their creativity as early as possible. This year’s winners have shown incredible talent and imagination, and I hope it inspires our artists of the future as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Lucy Littlewood, Director of the St Martin-in-the-Fields Trust, said:
“St Martin’s Yes Campaign is committed to championing the underrepresented and providing platforms where all voices can be seen and heard. Partnering with the FourthPlinth Schools Awards is a natural extension of our mission. It’s thrilling to see children’s artwork celebrated on such a grand scale, inspiring all of us with their boundless creativity and vision for the future.”
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 1998 there have been almost 40,000 entries. This year’s competition saw entries from nearly 1,500 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 Fourth Plinth artists Mark Wallinger, Yinka Shonibare CBE, David Shrigley, Heather Phillipson and Rankin.
The winners of the Fourth Plinth Schools Awards 2025 can be seen on a digital guide available on the free Bloomberg Connects mobile app:https://www.bloombergconnects.org
The Fourth Plinth is funded by the Mayor of London with support from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Notes to editors
High-res press images available to download: https://tinyurl.com/fourth-plinth-schools-2025
The Fourth Plinth was initiated by the RSA in 1998 and is now one of the most important art commissions in the world. The programme invites world-class artists to make new work for Trafalgar Square, with a new sculpture installed on the Fourth Plinth every two years. The independent Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group makes the final decision on the shortlist and the winning works that are displayed.
It is funded by the Mayor of London with support from Arts Council England and Bloomberg Philanthropies, however the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group is completely independent. An established part of London’s public landscape, it brings out the art critic in everyone.
About Cass Art
Cass Art, the UK’s leading art supplies retailer, has 14 stores across the UK and an online shop, offering the world’s best brands at affordable prices. Committed to supporting creatives at all stages of their careers, Cass Art works in partnership with numerous organisations and institutions to provide sponsorship, bursaries and awards. Read about how the Cass family enabled the first 3 commissions on the Fourth Plinth, and how they have supported artists for over 100 years at www.cassart.co.uk/about-us
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organisation focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.