David Bowie famously sang a song called ‘Five Years’. Quite obviously, he was writing about our long record of success in the national Merchant Taylors’ Company Photography Competition. Thanks Dave. We’ve won again this year and we’ve won BIG!

In the Senior Category, Anastasiia Bozhenko (Year 13) won outright, fighting off stiff competition from every corner of our proud nation, with her stunning black and white photograph of two avid readers squatting in a bookshop. These reluctant purchasers might make my blood boil - but this beautiful photograph makes my heart sing!

Andrew Goodwin (Year 11) came runner-up with his beguiling photograph of a lightbulb. See how the light plays across the surface! Gorgeous.

Rosie Pink’s (Year 9) stunning photograph of a bee collecting pollen from a flower is also a firm favourite. And the judges thought so too. That’s why it came ‘highly commended’!

In the Junior category, Mia Sampson’s (Year 8) calming and detailed photograph of a windmill was also a firm favourite of the judging panel, earning her a much prized runner-up slot. It’s a masterclass in composition!

Bella Cockman (also in Year 8) makes us look - and really look - at the innate beauty of keys. Another masterclass in composition - just look at how Bella has used positive and negative shapes for maximum effect!

And finally, Iris McCormack (also in Year 8. My goodness, these Year 8s are talented!) gifts us a stunning photo of Paddington train station. Iris has obviously looked. Then seen the potential. And lastly thought about how best to capture this captivating image.

So I’m sure you all agree that when it comes to this prestigious national photography competition... We’ve won again this year and we’ve won BIG!

- Mr Bowen, Head of Art