2025 Christmas Card Competition Winner

Congratulations to Annabel from The Link School; her beautiful Christmas scene was chosen by our independent judge as the winner of this year’s Christmas card competition.

We received a record number of entries from students across all regions and College Centres this year and the standard was incredibly high as described by Louise Pasquill, an artist and designer, who judged the entries for us.

“What a fabulous challenge you gave me this year!” she said. “The most festive, heart-warming, talented and diverse collection of finalists ever and I can only pick one winner.”

Louise uses a rigorous evaluation scheme to compare all entries against the same set of criteria, including technique, detail and story-telling. She picked Annabel’s entry “Christmas Eve” was chosen as the winner for the Trust’s Christmas Card Competition 2025 from hundreds of entries across all the academies in the Trust.

Louise said, “We have a winner, “Christmas Eve”! The Christmas Elf offering a gift of a Christmas flower, evokes so many elements from Christmas Eve and all the anticipation we feel before Christmas Day.   The story of the reindeer, the sleigh flying high over the snowy North Pole to deliver the children’s presents, a giant Christmas fir tree, the stars and an arctic fox and a cub, with the Christmas elf in the foreground.  The tiny windows shining gold, the striped tights and the message “Merry Christmas” bring a sweet sugary message in the starry sky on Christmas Eve.  Well done to the winner for their brilliant design.

Annabel, who is 13 years old, was presented with her prize of an Amazon gift voucher, a certificate and a box of her design printed into cards. Her card has also been turned into a digital Christmas Card that is sent out to stakeholders and supporters by the Executive Senior Leadership Team.

 

Louise also selected runners up including “Archangel”, the “Roosting Robins” and the “Silent Night Christmas Tree”.

Roosting Robins was designed by 9-year-old Fidel from Arbour Vale School l using hand prints and tactile branches, ice crystals and snow flakes.

Judge Louise commended the design saying, “The Roosting robins are eye-catching against the blue background and the icy branches add dimension and texture.  The snowflakes are well-placed, making good use of the space.”

Roosting Robins was chosen for the Trustees, to be sent out by Ray Leclercq (Chair of OHCAT) and Sir Peter Lauener (Chair of OHC) as their Christmas card this year. Huge Congratulations to Fidel!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Christmas Tree was a collaborative entry from three pupils at Dysart School’s newly opened satellite site Discovery House in Kingston.

Louise loved the sensory nature of their design, “The Christmas Tree has a lovely texture and eye-catching colour.  The artist has attentively decorated with thoughtfully placed baubles and a fabulous 3D golden star.  The message from the festive favourite carol, ‘Silent Night’ add a traditional touch.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Archangel was designed by 5-year-old Terrence from Arbour Vale School

Louise liked the simplicity of Terrence’s design, “The Angel is so vibrant, bringing the spirit of the message of Christmas in a simple and effective way, that has such heavenly impact.”

All these students and others chosen by the schools were presented with special runners up certificates and chocolate treat. There were also Highly Commended certificates for the many entries that stood out and everyone who entered the competition received a certificate to recognise their artwork.

All entries are on display at head office throughout the month of December brightening up Copthall House for staff and visitors alike. A small selection is displayed below and do follow us on social media as we share some of the finalists on the OHCAT Advent Calendar.

 

 

 

 

Here are some of the other entries to this year’s Christmas card competition – enjoy!