Beyond the Battle

National schools competition across the UK to design the missing final panel of the Bayeux Tapestry!

Beyond the Battle is a free, UK-wide creative competition for Key Stage 2 pupils (ages 7–11), delivered by Art Explora UK in partnership with English Heritage to celebrate the Bayeux Tapestry's historic return to England.

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 in England since it was created nearly 1,000 years ago.

As a Franco-British charity, with offices in both London and Paris, it felt fitting for us to launch a project to celebrate this historic occasion. 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.

The Challenge:

The 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, imagining a future that goes beyond conquest. Working as a class, they will create, design and stitch an original textile work that pictures a better tomorrow, and celebrates the actions, people and values that could make that vision a reality.

Free Classroom Resources:

All participating schools will receive a free, cross-curricular learning resource created by embroidery artist and educator Jessica Grady. Building on Grady’s use of found and recycled textile materials, classes can take part using what is already in the art cupboard, the recycling bin or the craft box at home. Schools will also have access to English Heritage’s 1066 and the Norman Conquest learning resources, which link closely to the History Curriculum.

The programme includes:

• curriculum-linked lesson plans for Key Stage 2 History and Art & Design
• guidance on accessible textile techniques
• creative activities to help students explore the Bayeux Tapestry’s history and themes and create new collaborative stories.
• ideas for using recycled and everyday materials, with no specialist equipment required.

The project is designed to help pupils develop historical understanding, creativity and collaborative skills while building teacher confidence in delivering textile-based learning.

Prizes:

Winning classes will receive a fully funded 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. Trips will take place in Summer term 2027.

Runner-up classes will receive a funded visit to their nearest English Heritage Norman site.

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

Competition information

Beyond the Battle will launch in late September 2026

Further details, including competition dates, eligibility, judging and how to enter, will be announced soon.

For further information please email : learninguk@artexplora.org

Ahead of the of the official programme launch, start your learning journey by clicking the links below to find English Heritage learning resources and information about school visits.

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 www.english-heritage.org.uk