A year 7 student at Shireland Collegiate Academy in Smethwick has been selected for the Royal Academy of Arts’ prestigious Young Artists’ Summer Show 2025, marking a second consecutive year a student from the Academy has achieved this honour.
Jayson Ubah’s piece, titled ‘Drawing’, was one of over 23,000 submissions from young people aged 4-18 across the UK. His work was chosen by a panel of professional artists and arts educators for inclusion in both the online and in-person exhibitions, placing him among a select group of individuals to receive this distinction.
The physical exhibition will be held at the Royal Academy’s Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens in London from 15 July to 10 August 2025, with the online gallery also launching on 15 July 2025.
This latest achievement follows the success of fellow Shireland student Izaan Ahmed, whose piece ‘Benjamin Zephaniah’ was selected for the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition in 2024 and went on to win the People’s Choice Award. With students now featured two years in a row, Shireland Collegiate Academy continues to demonstrate its growing reputation as a hub for nurturing a high calibre of young artist talent.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of Jayson’s remarkable achievement. Being selected for such a renowned exhibition at his age is no small feat and speaks volumes of his talent and commitment.
“That this is the second year in a row a Shireland student has been recognised by the Royal Academy highlights not only individual success, but the creative culture we foster here. It reflects our commitment to the arts as a vital part of education; the commitment of our staff to nurturing every student’s potential, and the imagination, skill and ambition of our students to stand out on a national stage.”
Jayson is also part of the Academy’s Arts Aptitude programme, which provides students with a passion for the arts – including art, dance, drama and music – with enhanced opportunities beyond the classroom. Open to 28 students each year, the programme supports young people with expert teaching, enrichment activities and links to cultural institutions such as the Birmingham Hippodrome. It is designed to help students gain real-world experience, grow in confidence and express themselves creatively through high-quality, diverse projects.
Applications for the Arts Aptitude programme for students starting secondary school in September 2026 are now open.
Part of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, Shireland Collegiate Academy is widely recognised for its commitment to cultivating ambition and creative excellence. The Academy prides itself on providing an environment where students are supported to develop their talents both academically and artistically.
The Royal Academy of Arts, established in 1768, continues to champion emerging talent through initiatives including the Young Artists’ Summer Show, which celebrates the imagination and creativity of the next generation of artists.
Learn more about the Royal Academy of Arts’ Young Artists’ Summer Show 2025 here.
