John Downton Awards

The awards

The John Downton Award for Young Artists is an annual exhibition which encourages and celebrates the creativity of Kent's young artists. It is open to students aged 11 to 18 from schools and colleges across Kent.

The award is hosted by us on behalf of the John Downton Trust. The exhibition commemorates the life and work of John Downton, the celebrated Kent artist, poet and philosopher.

2022 John Downton Awards

The application process is now open for schools to submit entries. The deadline for entries is 5pm on 3 November 2022. Teachers can email JohnDAward@kent.gov.uk to request an application form.

Find out how schools can apply and read the terms and conditions (PDF, 229.4 KB).

The John Downton Awards evening and exhibition will take place in County Hall, Maidstone.

2021 winners

Category11 to 16 age group winner17 to 18 age group winner
Highly CommendedMolly Howard
Folkestone School for Girls
Firdaus Abdulsalam
Maidstone Grammar School for Boys
BronzeMay Smith
Knole Academy
Harry Jarvis
Herne Bay High School
SilverMegan Batey
Highworth Grammar School
Chiara Mesquita
Simon Langton Girls School
GoldPip Craske
Simon Langton Girls School
Gabriel Scott
Simon Langton Boys School
PaintingClara Ried
Simon Langton Girls School
Charlotte Burden
Simon Langton Girls School
DrawingCharlie Kenyon-Vaughan
Folkestone School for Girls
Jack Duffy-Smith
Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School
Mixed MediaKamile Stasiukaityte
St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School
Beth Geeves
Herne Bay High School
PhotographyConnor Fitzpatrick
Simon Laongton Boys School
Ethan Lane
Herne Bay High School
Best schoolHerne Bay High School