A New Chapter for Art at The Oratory Prep School
As another academic year draws to a close, our annual Art Exhibition provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the creativity, imagination and confidence of every pupil whose work lined the walls.
From vibrant paintings and detailed drawings to ceramics and mixed media pieces, the exhibition reflected not only the breadth of artistic techniques our pupils experience, but also the individuality that makes every piece unique. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a year of hard work, curiosity and creative exploration.
The exhibition also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Art at The Oratory Prep School.
This September, we will officially open The Gallery – a dedicated exhibition space at the heart of our school. Positioned on one of the busiest walkways, The Gallery has been designed so that every pupil, parent and visitor experiences creativity as part of everyday school life. Throughout the year it will showcase pupil artwork, ensuring creativity is visible every day.
Since joining The Oratory Prep School in 2021, Head of Art Emma Addleton has continued to expand the opportunities available to pupils. With a background in Graphic Design, Illustration and Design & Technology, Emma brings a wealth of professional experience to the classroom. After completing a degree in Graphic Design, followed by a Master’s in Sequential Illustration, she discovered a passion for visual storytelling, children’s book illustration and traditional bookbinding before finding her vocation in teaching.
Today, pupils benefit from specialist teaching that extends far beyond drawing and painting. Few prep schools offer the breadth of artistic opportunities available at OPS. Alongside painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture, pupils work with pottery wheels and our own kiln, experiencing the full creative process from shaping clay through to glazing and firing finished pieces.
Art at OPS doesn’t stop in the art studio. The department is increasingly working on community-based projects, helping pupils understand how creativity can bring people together, tell stories and make a lasting impact beyond the classroom.
The department’s success can also be seen in where its pupils go next. Over the past five years, more than ten pupils have been awarded Art Scholarships to leading senior schools, continuing the creative journeys they began during their time at The Oratory Prep School.
Emma Addleton, Head of Art, said:
“Art helps children develop confidence, curiosity and resilience. It encourages them to think differently, solve problems and express ideas in ways that words sometimes can’t.
The Gallery is an exciting addition because it places creativity at the centre of school life. I can’t wait to welcome back former pupils and celebrate where their artistic journeys have taken them. I hope our current pupils walk through the gallery, see their work and that of our alumni side by side and think, ‘That started here.'”
To launch The Gallery, we are inviting former Oratory Prep School pupils to exhibit artwork they have created since leaving OPS.
Whether you’ve gone on to study Fine Art, Architecture, Graphic Design, Fashion, Photography or simply continued creating because you love it, we’d love to celebrate your work and the journey you’ve taken.
Every artist starts somewhere.
That started here.
If you’re an Oratory Prep School alumni and would like to exhibit your work in our opening exhibition on 10th September, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Please contact Mrs Addleton directly on e.addleton@oratoryprep.co.uk