Teaching textiles in schools is immensely valuable, as it nurtures creativity, practical problem-solving, and sustainable thinking—qualities vital in today’s world. 

Through textiles, students gain hands-on skills in design, construction, and material exploration, while also learning to appreciate the environmental impact of the fashion industry. These experiences build confidence, foster collaboration, and open pathways to exciting careers in the creative sector. An excellent example of textiles education in action is the Young Fashion Designer UK competition, which encourages young learners to showcase their passion and talent while engaging with professionals, peers, and real-world challenges. By fostering innovation and sustainability, events like this demonstrate the power of textiles education to shape future designers and influence a more responsible, creative fashion landscape.

Young Fashion Designer UK is an exciting national, annual competition which focuses on celebrating the talent of young fashion designers to showcase and promote the exceptional work achieved by students aged 11-13, who show flair and passion in the work that they produce. 

A team of industry professionals judge the entries and invite twelve finalists from each region to exhibit their work and attend the final competition day, held at each of the regional centres. 

The final competition day is an opportunity to meet other finalists who share a passion for fashion as well as meet the judges and to talk about their designs. Throughout the day, finalists participate in a hands-on fashion upcycling workshop giving an opportunity to showcase fashion and textile skills by creating a finished garment in a timed challenge, as well as hear about the inspirational careers of YFD UK judges, previous competition winners and the network of industry professionals involved. And if this isn’t all exciting enough - winners from each category receive certificates and prizes! 

In this fifteenth year of the competition, YFD UK continues to go from strength to strength, with the number of entrants increasing year on year. Winners of the competition often go on to great things, working in the fashion and creative industries and the competition provides an excellent stepping stone towards higher education courses in fashion and further career opportunities.