The London: City of Languages team is delighted to announce the results of our Logo Competition.
We invited pupils from schools across London to design a logo that would become the basis of our official identity, conveying our aims:
300+ languages. One city. Endless possibilities.
London is the most linguistically diverse city in the world — and that’s something to celebrate. London: City of Languages brings together learners, teachers, parents, and communities to:
- Celebrate London’s extraordinary language diversity
- Inspire people of all ages to learn and enjoy languages
- Engage families, carers, schools, and communities in supporting language education
The challenge: pupils were asked to design logos that were easy to spot, clear in message, simple in style, visually strong whether in colour or black & white, effective at all sizes, original, timeless, and created in a square format.
Nearly 400 pupils from both primary and secondary schools rose to the challenge. We were thrilled by the creativity and care shown in every entry. After shortlisting 80, then narrowing to 19 finalists, we finally reached our decision…
🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁
The joint winners are:
🥁Dhanya from Plashet School Newham(logo on the left)
🥁Elizabeth from Bishop Thomas Grant School Streatham(logo on the right)
Both designs met all the criteria: clear message, distinctive imagery, timeless appeal, effective in black and white, and submitted in the correct format.
Each features London’s iconic Tower Bridge as a centrepiece – a powerful symbol of languages connecting people and opening pathways. Dhanya’s pillars appear to be conversing in different languages, while Elizabeth’s elegant river curve and script add beauty and flow. Together, these designs will form our official logo, appearing on our website and across campaign materials.
Entries were judged anonymously, so it was a delightful surprise to discover that both winners are Year 9 pupils, living on opposite sides of the river. As the French saying goes, “C’était écrit” — it was written in the stars! Even more fitting, both schools chose Wednesday 17 December for the assemblies where the winners were announced – at the same time, on the same day.
At each school, we spoke about the importance of languages before presenting awards. We were warmly welcomed by Headteachers, Heads of Department and Heads of Year, and we were delighted to meet winners and commended entrants. Congratulations to all!
We extend heartfelt thanks to the 380+ pupils who submitted logos, the teachers who promoted the competition, and those who managed the uploads. We will continue to draw on this rich collection throughout the campaign, showcasing winners, finalists, shortlisted, and commended designs. Browse through the finalist, shortlisted and commended entries here:
Finally, we invite participating schools to invite us to visit to present certificates of commendation. We love every opportunity to meet pupils and spread the joy of languages. Please get in touch with us.
Plashet School Award Ceremony. Left to right: Philip Harding-Esch (British Council) ; Venuha (commended); Inaya (Commended); Dhanya (winner); Nabeeha (Commended) and Ms Louot (Head of Department, Plashet School).
Bishop Thomas Grant School Ceremony. Left to right: Nick Mair (ALL London Vice Chair), Elizabeth (the winner!) and Helen Myers (ALL London Chair).
L to R: Rose (commended) and Niamh (Commended)