Royal Ballet & Opera Design Challenge 2025/26
Published 29th April 2026
The Royal Ballet & Opera Schools Design Challenge 2025/26 has once again highlighted the exceptional creativity and technical skill of students across the UK, with outcomes demonstrating confident conceptual thinking, strong visual communication and a clear understanding of professional design processes.
Teachers and institutions have played a vital role in supporting learners to engage with a live industry brief inspired by Richard Wagner’s Das Rheingold. Students responded to three set visions: a myth for the modern world, an elemental dreamscape and a dystopian fantasy, developing work across Costume Design, Set Design, Wigs, Hair and Makeup Design, and Marketing Design.
Outstanding responses to this year’s visions
Among this year’s most notable achievements, Rommy Whately from Exeter College was awarded Winner of Costume Design for a powerful response to Vision 3: Dystopian fantasy, demonstrating strong narrative interpretation and material awareness.
In Set Design, Charlotte Lanceley from LIPA Sixth Form College was recognised for Vision 1: A myth for the modern world, producing work that showed confident spatial thinking and imaginative engagement with the brief.
Izzy Clements from East Sussex College received particular recognition, securing a joint Set Design award for Vision 2: Elemental dreamscape, alongside the prestigious Associate’s Choice Award, reflecting a strong professional connection between concept and execution.
Opportunities for teachers and learners
For design and technology teachers, the challenge offers a compelling model of industry-led learning that translates directly into classroom practice. Students are required to interpret briefs, develop iterative ideas and communicate design intent in ways that mirror real-world creative practice.
The experience supports deeper engagement, strengthens progression pathways into creative industries, and provides meaningful opportunities for learners to apply curriculum knowledge within an authentic and inspiring context.
Teachers can read more about all of this year’s winners, highly commended and commended students, alongside full details of the results here. Registration for the Design Challenge 2026/27 is now open, offering another opportunity to bring industry-inspired creativity into the classroom. Find out more.
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