Sheila Craske, Head of Art at Tudor Hall School near Banbury, has reached the top 5 shortlist for the Tatler Schools Lifetime Achievement Award 2026.
The school is delighted for Sheila, who has been a member of the Tudor community for 38 years, and was nominated by the School for the Award which recognises a member of staff who has dedicated their life to a school.
Votes from the public are gathered to create the shortlist; this is a testament to the impact Sheila has had – and continues to have – on generations of Tudorians and her fellow staff.
She has steadfastly shared her expertise and instilled passion in our pupils, inspiring many to exceed their own expectations, even among those who do not see themselves as natural-born artists. Sheila supports every individual in their artistic endeavours, allowing each girl to always give something a try and to learn through taking artistic risks. The standard of Art at Tudor, across a huge variety of media and specialisms, is exceptional, and is reflected in the girls’ outstanding results year after year.
More than 100 Old Tudorians (known as OTs) have become professional artists and designers in recent decades, an astonishing figure for a school of Tudor’s size. Many of these still regularly engage with the school and their passion for the subject is clear in the numbers who are keen to return to the school to give careers talks and share their experiences.
“Thank you Mrs Craske for always making the art studio at school the most fun place to be; for your constant support and incredible teaching. That subsequently changed my life forever” said Emily Rogers, a classically trained portrait painter who also featured in Sky’s Portrait Artist of the Year in 2023.
Flora de Winton, renowned portrait and wildlife artist whose work appears in the National Archives, said, “Through her dedicated teaching and enthusiasm I discovered that I could in fact paint and draw. Her belief in me built my confidence and she encouraged me to pursue my art after Tudor. It is thanks to her that I have enjoyed a career of over 25 years.”
Sheila will attend the Awards event in London later this month, and we have everything crossed for her!