News Year 10 Art and Design Students Visit the National Portrait Gallery 30.09.2026

In September, over 50 Year 10 GCSE Art and Design students went to the National Portrait Gallery to visit the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026 exhibition, as well as to explore the Gallery’s permanent collection.

The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience works of art in person and spend time responding to the paintings through detailed notes, observations and drawings. These studies will contribute directly to their coursework portfolios and support the development of their own artistic practice.

Students demonstrated excellent focus and commitment throughout the day, taking the time to carefully consider the formal qualities of the works, including composition, colour, materials and technique. They also engaged thoughtfully with the ways portraiture has changed over time, considering how artists communicate identity, ideas and meaning through their work.
It was particularly encouraging to see students looking closely and discussing their responses with such enthusiasm.

It was a hugely enjoyable and productive day, and it is fantastic to have such impressive galleries and collections right on our doorstep.