Stroud High School student wins young designer of the year

Aspiring textile and fashion designer SHS pupil Alice Wheatley was the overall winner of the Young Designer of the Year Competition for the GCSE category. 

"I was thrilled to win,” Alice said. 

“When they said my name I had to double check there was not another Alice. 

“I loved making and designing the corset and was inspired by Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen."

The final for the 2022 national competition was held at The Royal Grammar School in Worcester on Saturday, October 8. 

Aspiring fashion designer and SHS student Alice Wheatley was the overall winner of the Young Designer of the Year Competition for the GCSE category (Image: Newsquest)

Alice Wheatley's winning design for the Young Designer of the Year Competition (Image: Stroud High School)

Alice is currently studying art textiles, sociology and English Literature at A-level at Stroud High Sixth Form - and she is hoping to go on to study fashion design at university. 

Each year students at SHS are encouraged to enter the prestigious competition. 

But this year the school had more finalists selected than ever before. 

Three students, Zara Ramsdale, Ella Swanson and Alice Wheatley made the final eight in the GCSE category. 

While two students Theo Hemlock and Becky Thomas made the final eight in the A-level category.

All students arrived to set up the stands of both design and practical work before the displays were judged and students interviewed by industry professionals.

“The standard of work was incredible,” said SHS textiles teacher Terri Lazenbury. 

She said: "During the day students had the opportunity to view and discuss portfolio and project work with other finalists and took part in a weaving workshop.  

“Each student received a prize for an outstanding element in their work including art materials and books. 

“We were all thrilled when the overall winner of the GCSE category was announced as Alice Wheatley."