Creative students who put their art skills to the test in a national competition will have their work showcased at an exhibition.

A range of paintings created by pupils from the London Academy in Edgware and Bentley Wood School in Stanmore were among 34 selected by judges from the Saatchi, Opera and Whitechapel galleries.

Their work, created as part of London student art competition UpStArt, will be published at an exhibition in The Strand Gallery from November 23 to December 6.

UpStArt competition launched this year to give sixth form students in greater London the chance to have their work seen beyond the classroom.

The paintings will be whittled down to three winners, to be judged by art buyer and star of Channel 4’s Four Rooms, by Jeff Salmon.

He said: “I am truly impressed by the standard of entries from these young artists.

“As an art dealer, it is very exciting to see such obvious talent. Time will tell, but I think UpStArt may indeed have achieved its aim in finding 'ones to watch'.

“For collectors, or simply someone looking to buy art for their own home, the online auction is a great opportunity to own an early work by a potential star of the future.”

As well the judges’ winner, chosen by Jeff Salmon, there will be a second winner chosen by an online public vote and the third who raises the most at auction.

Proceeds from the auction will be split between the artists and anti-prejudice charity the Anne Frank Trust, which uses schoolchildren as ambassadors to combat discrimination among all ethnic and social groups.

The prizes include £1,000 cash from Opera Gallery and Landview Properties, £500 Cass Art vouchers and work experience at UK Greetings.