The Schools and Colleges Show at SHU is a public exhibition co-curated with teachers and tutors from local schools and colleges. It’s a showcase of creative work made by young people from across the Sheffield region.
The Schools and Colleges Show has been running since 2019, championing creativity and making in compulsory education. It is a showcase of artefacts and artworks made by young people in Sheffield region schools and colleges. Centres select the work they would like to be included in the show, anyone can be involved and it’s free to take part. Supported by Sheffield Creative Industries Institute at Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield Museums Trust, the show demonstrates how these subjects link to the growth sector of the creative industries contributing ”2.4 million jobs and £124 billion GVA to the economy, generating knowledge spill-overs that drive innovation and activity across the economy” (The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, The Creative Industries Sector Plan, Gov.uk 2025). The show was founded on the idea that the space for creativity and making for young people should be available to all. We recognise the enormous challenge that some subjects have faced in recent years and want to show the world what incredible work goes on. Thank you to all the hard working teachers, tutors and technicians who work tirelessly to offer all young people the opportunity to make, create, build, invent, research and compose.
Creativity and Making throughout the curriculum
We want to celebrate creativity and making throughout the curriculum – there are 3 categories available which cover all the Key Stages:
Individual Category (KS4 & KS5): up to 8 pieces of individual work from one centre (usually from exam groups). It doesn’t have to be 8 pieces, just 1 is fine.
Collections Category (KS3 & KS4): a chance to showcase younger students’ work from KS3, select up to 10 pieces from the same project or scheme of work.
Catalyst Category (Younger Years KS1 & KS2): lets celebrate where it all starts! Select up to 20 pieces of work from the same project or SOW.
We work with centres to help them be involved. Please contact us with any questions: