The competition's 13 judges came from the world of arts, education and media:
- John Bennett, Head of Art, Henbury School, Bristol
- Phillip Butah, artist
- John Cole, Liverpool Traveller Education Service
- Mark Draper, Head of Art, Hinwick Hall Further Education College
- Alison Lapper, artist
- Diane-Louise Jordan, broadcaster
- Sandy Nairne, Director, National Portrait Gallery
- Angela Neustatter, journalist and author
- William Packer, art critic and artist
- Shani Rhys James MBE RCA, portrait artist, Wales
- Trevor Phillips, Chair, Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Jan Younghusband, Head of Arts and Performance, Channel 4
- Alison Watt, artist
Young Brits at Art promotes equality and human rights while complementing the National Curriculum in England and Wales and the Curriculum for Excellence which is being developed in Scotland.