The RSA Schools Art Award is a prestigious annual competition run by the Royal Scottish Academy, sponsored by Brodies LLP, that celebrates creativity, technique, and originality among secondary school pupils in Scotland.

About the awards

Established in 1986, the awards celebrate creativity, originality and technical skill, inviting entries from schools nationwide and showcasing the exceptional talent of young artists. Brodies is proud to support opportunities for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and gain national recognition for their work and has sponsored the RSA Schools Art Awards since 2016, marking a decade of partnership in 2026.

Open to both mainstream and special schools, the Awards provide a valuable platform for pupils to develop confidence in their creative work and gain recognition at a national level. Each year culminates in a digital exhibition and an in-person awards ceremony highlighting the very best submissions.

2026 award ceremony 

In June 2026, the winning students, their families and teachers were welcomed to Brodies’ Edinburgh office for a special award ceremony. Speeches from Gareth Fisher PRSA and Brodies Chair Iain Rutherford opened the event, followed by a presentation of certificates to each of the winners.

View the 2026 online exhibition of winning artworks
The 2026 RSA award winners on the terrace at Brodies Capital Square during the prizegiving ceremony on 23 June. Joining the winners are Iain Rutherford (Chair, Brodies LLP) and Gareth Fisher (President, RSA)
The 2026 RSA award winners on the terrace at Brodies Capital Square during the prizegiving ceremony on 23 June. Joining the winners are Iain Rutherford (Chair, Brodies LLP) and Gareth Fisher (President, RSA)

How to get involved 

Learn how to get involved and the award details here. We wish all applicants the best of luck!

What our winners say

After hearing the good response from the competition, I felt ecstatic, shocked, and appreciative for such an opportunity to have my art recognised. Overall, from this competition I hope to take away a remembrance of the self-development, chances, and patience that creativity fosters.

Elena Geddes, Banff Academy, 1st place Brodies Regional Award North East

It is an honour to receive this award, and I am very grateful for the recognition and encouragement it gives me to continue developing my skills and passion for art.

Hina Hishii Loureiro, George Heriot’s School, 1st place intermediate category for 'Still life work based on a Japanese tabletop arrangement'

This competition has pushed me to create something I am truly proud of and has given me the confidence that the path in life that is right for me is fine art.

Ellie Haye, Wellington School in Ayr