This year’s theme:
“Thanking the Armed Forces for their service at Christmas”
We’re excited to invite your school to take part in the 2025 Schools Christmas Art Competition, proudly run by Hertfordshire County Council in support of the Armed Forces Covenant.
This festive competition celebrates the creativity of children across Hertfordshire and helps us show appreciation for our Armed Forces. We’re inviting pupils to create artwork that expresses kindness, gratitude, and community spirit. The theme is open to interpretation - so let imaginations run wild!
Who can enter
The competition is open to pupils in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (Years 1–6), and special schools are warmly welcomed to take part.
How to submit an entry
Artwork can be submitted either digitally or physically. Each entry should include the following details:
- Child’s first name only
- School name
- Year group.
Guidelines for entries
- If two children in the same class share the same first name, please add an initial to help us tell entries apart (e.g., “Emily R.” or “James T.”). This small detail helps us keep everything organised and ensures each child’s artwork is properly recognised.
- Please avoid using glitter, bulky decorations, or materials like cotton wool or sequins. These can be difficult to scan, photograph, or store safely. We want to make sure every child’s artwork can be shared and celebrated- so simpler is better! Please note that any physical entries are non-returnable.
- Each school may submit multiple entries.
- Ensure all entries are submitted by the deadline (Monday 20 October, 11.59pm)
- All submissions must comply with safeguarding and data protection standards.
- Winning entries will be scanned and shared with Armed Forces personnel globally.
Safeguarding and data protection
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is committed to ensuring the safety and privacy of all children participating in the Schools Christmas Art Competition. To comply with safeguarding and data protection standards:
- Only the child’s first name, school name, and year group should be included with each submission.
- Do not include surnames, photographs, or any other personal identifiers on the artwork or in submission files.
- Entry to the competition signifies permission for any child whose artwork may be featured in media coverage, public displays, or online platforms.
- All entries will be stored securely and retained until 31 March 2026, after which they will be deleted in line with HCC’s data retention policy.
Digital submissions
Email scanned artwork to Hertfordshire.Heroes@hertfordshire.gov.uk. Acceptable formats include JPG, PDF and PNG files. Schools may scan and email student artwork on behalf of pupils.
Physical submissions
FAO Kyle Redford
Herts Christmas Art Competition 2025
Postal Point: CHO144
Robertson House
Six Hills Way
Stevenage
SG1 2ST
Prizes
With the headteacher’s permission, each winner will be celebrated in a school assembly, where special guests from Northwood Headquarters will present a winner’s certificate and an invitation to enjoy a “Day of Adventure.”
Winning artwork will be transformed into Christmas cards, which will be shared with Armed Forces personnel and promoted by Hertfordshire County Council.
Key dates
- Competition launch: Friday 5 September
- Last entries by: Monday 20 October
- Winners announced: Early December
- Prize assemblies: Early–mid December
- Day of Adventure Experience: March 2026