Poppy’s Winning Design Takes Centre Stage at Royal Ascot

Earlier this year, Charters School proudly celebrated the incredible achievement of Year 13 student Poppy, who was named the winner of the prestigious Royal Ascot Fashion Design Competition. Last weekend her creativity, dedication and hard work came to life as Poppy attended Royal Ascot in her winning design which as turned into a bespoke dress and hat.

The occasion was a truly unforgettable experience. Poppy and her family were invited to spend the day in a Royal Enclosure box, where her exceptional design attracted significant attention. Looking elegant in the finished outfit and matching hat, Poppy was interviewed by both Sky and ITV, as well as other media outlets. She represented herself and Charters School with remarkable confidence and composure, with one of her interviews even being broadcast around the racecourse and her story featured in the official racing brochure.

Poppy’s success is a wonderful example of how studying A Level Art can provide students with so much more than technical artistic skills. Through creative subjects, students develop confidence, resilience, independent thinking, problem-solving abilities and the courage to present their ideas to a wider audience - qualities that are invaluable in higher education, future careers and life beyond the classroom.

At Charters, our Art Department continues to inspire students to explore their individual creative voices and embrace opportunities that allow their talents to flourish in professional settings. Poppy’s journey from an initial concept and sketch in the classroom to a nationally recognised design showcased at one of the world’s most iconic sporting and social events is a perfect illustration of this.

Poppy’s achievement was thoroughly deserved. She is an exceptionally talented, hardworking and creative student whose passion for design has shone throughout her time at Charters. We are incredibly proud of the maturity and professionalism she displayed throughout the Royal Ascot experience and are delighted to see her talent recognised on such a prestigious stage.

Congratulations, Poppy, we cannot wait to see where your creativity takes you next.