Lansbury Lawrence Primary School | Kerri Sellens

About the winner:

Kerri Sellens is an artist and teacher based in London.

Most of her working week is spent at Lansbury Lawrence Primary School in East London. Alongside being an Assistant Headteacher, she also teaches art across the school. She is an advocate for the entitlement of all children having access to a high-quality arts education. Lansbury Lawrence is an Artsmark Platinum school.

Beyond the classroom, Kerri dedicates time to her own artistic practice, exploring sculptural forms inspired by her relationship with the natural world and sense of place.

Instagram: @art.mondays

What the judges said:

'Kerri Sellens is redefining what arts education can look like in primary schools. Through her collaboration with Bow Arts, she has developed an inspiring and rigorous arts curriculum that places creativity at the very heart of school life. In a community where 90% of children speak English as an additional language, art has become a vital language of expression, confidence and belonging,  a powerful tool for equity and communication.

Her commitment to removing barriers is exceptional, ensuring every child can access trips, workshops and high-quality creative experiences regardless of circumstance. The embedded partnership model with artists working directly alongside teachers has created a culture of sustained professional growth, reflected in the remarkable confidence of trainee teachers and the lasting impact across the wider school community. Maintaining Artsmark Platinum since 2015 is a testament to a deep and enduring commitment to the arts, not as an enrichment activity, but as a transformative force within education. 

Through her generosity, leadership and unwavering belief in the creative potential of every child, Kerri has created a nationally recognised beacon of best practice in arts education.'

Kerri receiving the award for Lansbury Lawrence Primary School at The National Gallery, 20 June 2026 (Photography by Dan John Lloyd).