Learning and Schools Programme

Beyond the Battle

National schools competition across the UK to design the missing final panel of the Bayeux Tapestry!
October 2026- July 2027
Across the UK

The project

Beyond the Battle is a free, UK-wide creative competition for Key Stage 2 pupils in UK state-funded Primary Schools, delivered by Art Explora UK in partnership with English Heritage, to celebrate the Bayeux Tapestry's historic return to England.  

2027 also marks the 1000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, with a programme of international events across Normandy, the UK and Europe.
Beyond the Battle brings school children from across the UK together to mark this historic occasion through a creative textile challenge inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry.

The Bayeux Tapestry depicts in embroidery the story of the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It is a symbol of the intertwined histories of England and France. Displayed at the British Museum from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027, this is the first time the Bayeux Tapestry has been back to England since it was created nearly 1,000 years ago. ‍

The challenge

The Bayeux Tapestry as it survives today breaks off abruptly. Its closing section — thought to have shown William of Normandy’s coronation — has been missing for centuries. 

Beyond the Battle asks school children to design the missing panel, but theirs will imagine a world beyond conflict, responding to the question “What future would you like to see?”.

Working as a class, they will design and make an original textile work that pictures a better tomorrow, and celebrates the actions, people and values that could make that vision a reality. 

What’s included?

All participating schools will receive a learning resource created in collaboration with textile artist and educator Jessica Grady, which includes: 

  • Curriculum-linked lesson plans and signposting to English Heritage learning resources to help students explore the historical context of the Bayeux Tapestry.
  • Step-by-step instructions, videos, worksheets and creative prompts to guide teachers and learners through the making process. 
  • Practical ideas for making textiles accessible, including the use of recycled and everyday materials and adapted techniques for a range of abilities. 

The project is designed to help pupils develop their capabilities in historical enquiry, creative thinking, communication and collaboration, alongside practical textiles skills and manual dexterity.

Prizes

One winning entry will be chosen from each year group (Yrs 3–6), with 2 runners up per year group also selected. 

Winning classes will receive a fully funded overnight trip to London to see the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum and the opportunity to visit 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, or another Norman site managed by English Heritage. 

Winning entries will be featured in a special exhibition (details to be announced), and each winning school will receive a bespoke textile artwork created by artist Jessica Grady to commemorate their achievement.  

Runner-up classes will receive a transport bursary to support a visit to a local English Heritage site. 

“I am thrilled to be part of the Beyond the Battle project, showcasing the importance and creativity of textile skills.
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I am very passionate about the accessibility of textiles as an artistic medium and the flexibility to use different materials, very much with a "you can't do it wrong" approach - it's all about play and imagination!”
Jessica Grady
Textiles artist

Competition details

Selection Criteria

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Key Dates

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How to Register

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Register for Beyond the Battle

Receive your free Beyond the Battle classroom learning resources, designed to inspire learners to explore the story of the Bayeux Tapestry and imagine and create their own textile responses.

Register here

Teacher FAQs

About the competition 

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Delivering the project in your classroom

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Curriculum and learning

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Entry and submission

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Prizes

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English Heritage

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. Registered charity no. 1140351

Visit english-heritage.org.uk