School photography competition

Our photo competition is open to all GCSE and A-Level students (yrs 10 -13 or equivalent) in the UK and abroad.

The competition's theme for 2026 is (in)tolerance.

Across the globe, societies have seemingly become more intolerant of difference. Those deemed ‘outsiders’ increasingly face attempts to exclude and marginalise them.

Examples of growing intolerance range from hostility towards migration, migrants and ethnic minorities, to the war on ‘woke’ and the assertion of traditional understandings of sex and gender.

But even amidst this tempest of intolerance, we find islands of resistance in which communities recognise, celebrate and protect diversity and difference.

Can you take a photo that tells a story about (in)tolerance? You’re welcome to submit a paragraph alongside it explaining the thinking behind your image. Your picture should be your own original work.

Prizes

The winning student will receive £100 for themselves and £100 for their school.

The Department will also invite the student and an accompanying adult (parent/guardian/teacher) to visit the University (travel expenses not included). The winning photo will be displayed in the department and on our website.

How to enter

Schools, parents and carers are invited to send ONE photo per student, a caption and an explanatory paragraph of up to 250 words that explains how the photo interprets the theme. But remember quality beats quantity, so try to be economical with your words! Please read the competition rules before you enter.

Click here to enter.

Closing date: Friday 8 May 2026 (Winners to be announced by Tuesday 30 June.)

For more news of this year's competition join our outreach mailing list.

Past winners

2025 "Real Utopias"

Entrants were invited to capture in a photo real utopias in the world around us. They were asked to think about the big or small ways that real utopia exists in the world around us and capture their interpretation of the term in photographic form.

2025 results

2024 "Sociology of Hope"

Entrants to our 2024 competition were invited to create images on the theme of hope, focusing on how hope can point us to opportunities for tackling injustice, and show us how positive assets within societies and communities - such as inclusion, equality, dignity and human rights - can be nurtured.

2024 Results

2023 "Sociology of Inequality"

Entrants to our 2023 competition turned their lenses on inequality in the world around them. They were asked to consider some of the big or small ways that inequality manifests in their everyday contexts and how, if at all, it might be challenged or alleviated.

2023 Results

2022 "Sociology of Resistance"

The 2022 entries showcased creativity in their interpretation of 'Sociology of Resistance' as they displayed the different ways that people "resist", by challenging institutions, power structures or social norms.

2022 Results