The Royal Photographic Society is undertaking the most significant review and redevelopment of the Distinctions Programme in recent decades, creating an opportunity to strengthen one of the Society’s most valued and respected programmes for the future.
Distinctions continues to hold an important place within both the Society and the wider photographic community. This redevelopment is intended to build on the programme's longstanding reputation while strengthening its relevance, consistency, sustainability, and applicant experience.
To support this work, the Society has taken the decision to pause Distinctions assessments for the remainder of 2026 while redevelopment and implementation planning continues.
This pause will create the time and organisational capacity needed to complete redevelopment and implementation work ahead of the introduction of a revised Distinctions Programme in 2027. This includes strengthening assessment and moderation processes, applicant support, guidance, communication, and operational delivery.
This is the first comprehensive review of the Distinctions Programme for a considerable period and represents a substantial opportunity to examine how the programme can best support photographers, photographic development, and the Society’s educational ambitions in the years ahead.
Applicants are not being asked to start again. Existing work and preparation remain relevant, and applicants are encouraged to continue developing their submissions during this period.
Applicants currently affected by the pause will be contacted directly regarding next steps.
The Society believes this redevelopment represents an important opportunity to strengthen and refresh one of its most valued programmes and looks forward to sharing further updates as the work progresses.
Answers to frequently asked questions are available here. Members are encouraged to check this page regularly as additional information and guidance become available.