Ahead of the launch of the Middlesbrough campus Summer Show a special awards ceremony was held to recognise outstanding academic and creative achievements by leavers from across the courses.

Shortlisted prize winners and their invited guests attended and certificates and prizes were presented by The Northern School of Art Principal Dr Martin Raby OBE and one of the School’s Governors, Ian Swain.

Read on to find out more about the award runners-up and winners:

Principal’s Award

The Principal’s Award is given to the student who has made the most progress at The Northern School of Art. It is for the student who has travelled the furthest distance in their creative and educational journey.

Runners-up: Isabella Carden-Smith, UAL Extended Diploma in Fashion and Harriet Douthwaite, UAL Level 2 Art & Design

Winner: Jess Sweet, UAL Extended Diploma in Graphic Design.

Judge’s comments about the winner:

“The Principal’s Award winner has demonstrated outstanding personal, creative and professional development throughout their time at School. Their Final Major Project transformed a personal experience into a powerful and professionally executed creative campaign, showcasing exceptional skills across branding, photography, digital design and visual communication. Alongside their studies, they achieved national success by winning first place in a prestigious skills competition, competing against some of the most talented young designers in the country. They have also begun building professional experience through freelance work while balancing other responsibilities with maturity and dedicatio. Their ambition, creativity and commitment have set them apart, making them a truly worthy recipient of this year’s Principal’s Award.”

Winner Jess Sweet commented:

“Winning the Principal’s Award was an incredibly emotional moment for me and something I never expected. To be recognised by my tutors as a student who has come the furthest over the last two years means more than I can put into words. Looking back at where I started and where I am now, I feel immensely proud of how much I have grown both as a designer and as a person. My time at The Northern School of Art has had a huge impact on me, both creatively and personally. From the moment I attended the open evening, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to study, but I never expected how much I would grow over the next two years. The support from my tutors encouraged me to challenge myself and take opportunities I might once have avoided. Looking back at where I started, I leave with not only stronger design skills, but also a greater sense of confidence in myself, my ideas, and my ability to take on the creative industry.”

Governors’ Award

The Governors’ Award is given to the student who has the most impressive work and whose work is regarded as being the ‘Best in Show’.

Runners-up: Emily Dawson, UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design and Grace Derry, A-levels

Winner: Lou Burton, UAL Extended Diploma in Film & TV Production

Judge’s comments:

“Our Governors’ Award winner has demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity and technical skill throughout their studies. From their very first interview, they displayed a natural ability to tell stories through moving image. Over the last two years, they have continued to develop that talent, producing consistently impressive work and culminating in an outstanding Final Major Project. Their final project showcases sophisticated cinematography, strong storytelling and a level of professionalism that exceeds expectations at this stage of study. The project reflects meticulous planning, creative ambition and a genuine passion for filmmaking. Their work has impressed staff, peers and visitors alike, making them a worthy recipient of this year’s Governors’ Award for Best in Show.”

Award winner Lou Burton said :

“I was extremely surprised to hear my name when the award was given out, and it felt very rewarding to know that people enjoyed my film and that my hard work was recognised. My time at the Northern School of Art has been amazing, getting to meet new people and learn about the things that I love has really grown my confidence. The tutors are some of the best and you can tell they’re enthusiastic about the subjects they teach. My two years here have been unforgettable and it will be a time that I’ll look back on very fondly.”

The Harry Lorraine Award by the Cleveland Art Society

The Harry Lorraine Award comes from the School’s partners at the Cleveland Art Society, established over twenty years ago, and honours exceptional talent across Fine Art and Art & Design courses. Winner: Sophia Laws-Williams

Extraordinary Photography Awards

These two awards are in memory of much-loved photography colleagues and are awarded to learners that show the outstanding qualities that our colleagues held dear.

Tim Leah-Adams Award – Technical Excellence in Photography – Winner: Lucy Harrison

Judge’s comments:

“This year’s recipient has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their craft, producing work that exceeds the technical and creative expectations of Level 3 study. Alongside their college work, they have embraced professional opportunities within the industry, developing both their photography skills and their professionalism. Their recent work at a major local music festival received praise from organisers and was featured within promotional campaigns.”

Award Winner Lucy said:

“Receiving the award was a real honour. It was incredibly rewarding to have all my hard work from the past 2 years recognised. My time at Northern School of Art has helped me to grow both technically and creatively, and I’m grateful for the support and opportunities I have received throughout my studies.”

Jan Secker Award for Overcoming Challenges – Winner: Isaac Parks

“This year’s recipient has shown remarkable determination, resilience and commitment throughout their time at the college. They have balanced significant responsibilities outside of their studies while maintaining excellent attendance, a positive attitude and a strong commitment to their course. They have embraced opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, contributed positively to student life, and consistently supported both staff and fellow students. Their growth as a photographer has been outstanding, culminating in a thoughtful and highly personal Final Major Project that demonstrates both technical development and creative maturity. The staff team are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved and are excited to see them continue their journey into higher education.”

Award Winer Issac commented:

“I felt proud to get it and the work I created was a personal one but one I knew that for me showcases me as a person.”

The Library Award

Established through the generosity of a former governor, the Library Award recognises a student who has made exceptional use of the Library in support of their studies. The recipient receives a £75 cash prize in recognition of their commitment to independent learning.

Winner: Rinnha Gebremiwot, UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design

Judge’s comments:

“This year’s winner has shown great interest in the Library from the first time she came in nearly two years ago. A very inquisitive student. Not only did she want to know how the Dewey Library system worked in great detail she also volunteered to come in in her spare time to help keep the library in order which was much appreciated as we are quite short-staffed. She has taken many books out on loan, she really enjoys what she reads. I know she loves our library because it is ‘Art Specific’ she has even asked if she can use it when she  leaves.”

If you are interested in studying a creative course at college-level make sure you check out our range of pathways into the art, design, stage and screen industries. At our Ofsted  outstanding rated Middlesbrough campus students are able to study a range of qualifications including A-levels, UAL Diplomas, Foundation and Access to HE. Find out more today.