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.

Through a process of mentoring and advice, we aim to use the awards to demonstrate the value of creative careers.

2023 John Downton Awards

The application process is now open for schools to submit entries. The deadline for entries is 5pm on 12 October 2023. Teachers can email johndowntonawards@kent.gov.uk to request an application form.

Find out how schools can apply and read the terms and conditions (PDF, 194.6 KB).

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

2022 winners

Category11 to 16 age group winner17 to 18 age group winner
Highly CommendedNoah Precious
St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School
Beth Kuhepa
Bethany School
BronzeThemadi Wickramanayake
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School
Dilan Ali
Barton Court Grammar School
SilverJacob Penn
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Gabrielle Bozec
Tonbridge Grammar School
GoldWillem Curtin
Bethany School
Ruby Vincent
Highworth Grammar School
PaintingBella Richardson
Towers School and Sixth Form Centre
Alice-May Barratt
Barton Court Grammar School
DrawingPeyton Osborne
Towers School and Sixth Form Centre
Kiera Beerstecher
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Mixed MediaHenry Moorhouse
Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
Megan Lee
St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School
PhotographyKiana Beaney
The Whitstable School
Masami Illliffe
Barton Court Grammar School
Best schoolBarton Court Grammar School

If you require further information please email johndowntonawards@kent.gov.uk.