Seven Streatham and Clapham High School students have beaten off competition from 1,600 other participants to make the final 100 shortlist of Young Brits at Art, a national art award for 11 – 19 year olds.

Eleanor Catlin, Anna Dark, Isobel Napier, Tilda Rogerson, Venetia Taylor, Lara Malcolmson and Sarah Redman will be up against 93 other finalists for the chance to exhibit their work at the Saatchi Gallery.

The shortlist of 100 for the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Young Brits at Art awards explored themes of freedom, equality and identity.

It was whittled down from a record 1,700 youngsters who entered the award, which challenged them to “imagine a world without prejudice”.

Entrants were given the opportunity to express their ideas using various art media including digital animation, sculpture, film and more traditional forms such as print and oil painting.

Neil Kinghan, Director General of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said; “Young people too often get a bad press. We sometimes forget the great array of talent in our schools and youth clubs and the contribution which the vast majority of young people make towards making our society more tolerant. Young Brits at Art gives them an opportunity to have those talents recognised; and if we happen to unearth the next Oliver Payne it would be a fantastic bonus.”