Leweston Named Finalist for ISA Fine Art and Design Excellence Award

Leweston School is proud to announce that it has been named a finalist for the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Award for Excellence in Fine Art and Design. This national recognition celebrates outstanding creativity, innovation, and impact in art education. The ISA judges praised the high standard of entries and were particularly impressed by the work taking place at Leweston.

Our submission, Beyond the Studio: Extraordinary Opportunities in Art and Design, highlighted our dynamic and forward-thinking approach to art education - one that blends tradition with technology, fosters cross-curricular exploration, and nurtures student wellbeing and global awareness.

Innovation in Practice: Tradition Meets Technology

Leweston’s Norfolk Art and Design Centre is a hub of creativity and innovation, equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, Adobe Creative Suite, and traditional darkroom facilities. From Year 4 onwards, students are introduced to cutting-edge digital tools and traditional techniques to become confident makers who understand both.

A prime example is Myllar’s lighting project,
which evolved through experimentation with foam, clay, 3D printing, and acrylic bending. Her final piece demonstrated a sophisticated blend of digital and hands-on craftsmanship to produce a striking and functional art installation. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Art at Leweston extends far beyond studio walls. Students take part in outdoor art classes in the school’s grounds, with the historic Belvedere being a favourite location for observational drawing and creative thinking. They exhibit their work in the annual Manor House exhibition and the Leweston Creative Arts Scholars Showcase at Sherborne House, gaining the opportunity to see their work in a curated display attended by families, governors, trustees, and guests.

Students benefit from enriching trips to local and national galleries and cultural institutions, including the Design Museum, Tate Modern, V&A, and Hauser & Wirth Somerset. A highlight is the annual residential trip to Cornwall, where Year 10 pupils begin coursework with immersive drawing at Priest’s Cove and the Eden Project, and visit galleries and exhibitions including the Kurt Jackson Foundation. 

Creative Leadership and Community Spirit

Leweston’s co-curricular programme is led by Sixth Formers and the Art Prefect, who coordinate clubs such as Life Drawing, Sketchbook Club, and Art Academy. These initiatives foster leadership, accountability, and a culture of creative generosity, with older students mentoring younger peers and contributing to school-wide events.

Studios are open during lunchtimes
and after school, offering a place for calm,
connection, and exploration. Sixth Form students benefit from dedicated studio areas and personal storage, promoting independence and professionalism. Collaborations on whole-school events and with the chaplaincy team on retreat days, have led to large-scale reflective projects, including kiln-fired tile murals, handmade wooden crosses and musical posters. These experiences unite students across year groups through meaningful, hands-on creativity that add to the community at Leweston. 

Art with Purpose: Creativity That Connects to the World

At Leweston, students use their creativity to engage meaningfully with global issues. Through textile projects exploring human rights, sustainability projects addressing climate change, and upcycling initiatives that challenge consumerism, pupils develop a sophisticated understanding of the world around them. These projects foster critical thinking, environmental awareness, and social responsibility, enriching not only their artistic practice but also their learning across other subjects.

Creative Outcomes and Future Pathways

Leweston offers three GCSE and four A Level courses in Art and Design, reflecting a strategic expansion aligned with student interests and emerging creative fields. The curriculum is designed to be responsive to modern techniques and innovation, whilst being personalised and future-focused to ensure every student can pursue their own unique creative pathway. The wider curriculum is designed to encourage students to explore connections between subjects, using creativity to deepen their understanding, enhance their learning, and develop transferable skills. 

Leweston regularly welcomes visitors from other schools seeking inspiration from its exhibitions, workshops, and teaching practices. Meanwhile, staff engage in continued professional development, from pottery and kiln training to design technology workshops, ensuring that teaching remains current, hands-on, and informed by industry standards. This continuous learning directly enriches the student experience and keeps the curriculum vibrant and relevant.

Recent graduates have gone on to study at prestigious institutions such as Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, and Falmouth University. Many return to support current students with portfolio preparation, career advice, and mentorship, reinforcing a strong sense of community and continuity.

One standout example is Jessica C, whose large-scale anatomical oil portraits, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s studies, demonstrated a powerful fusion of science and art. Her art portfolio was cited by Queen’s and Keele universities as playing a key deciding factor in securing medical school offers.

Celebrating Creative Excellence

As a finalist for the ISA Award for Excellence in Fine Art and Design, Leweston celebrates the vision, dedication, and talent of its students and staff. The school remains committed to nurturing confident, creative contributors to society within and beyond the studio.