AssetID: 55761562
Headline: ‘Onion rings’ joke sees primary school class and teacher crowned funniest in Britain
Caption: WORDS BYLINE: Millie Bowles A primary school class and their teacher have been crowned the funniest in Britain after coming up with a joke about onion rings. Pupils at Joy Lane Primary School, Whitstable, impressed the judges of the annual Beano magazine challenge. Boyce Class in Year 6 were crowned the winners of the 2026 Britain’s Funniest Class competition, while their teacher Bethan Crowe has also been named Britain’s Funniest Teacher. Their winning joke, which will now feature in the comic, goes as follows: “I didn't think food could make calls, but then: boom! Onion rings.” The children beat hundreds of other entries from schools across the UK. Miss Crowe said: “Having our class and joke appear in the Beano is exciting! Britain’s Funniest Class is such a great competition for encouraging humour, inspiring creativity, and helping children grow in confidence. I’m a big advocate for education, including plenty of enjoyment, and not many people get the chance to share a laugh not just with their classmates, but with people from all around the nation.” The Beano selected 10 jokes before putting them to magazine readers for a vote. Joy Lane’s submission won with 34%. The class has been given a trophy, a special edition Beano comic by renowned artist Nigel Parkinson featuring them in cartoon form, individual ‘Golden Gnasher’ medals, comic subscriptions for the whole class and their school library, a day trip to a Gulliver’s theme park and copies of the Beano Joke Book published by Farshore. The most recent edition of the magazine featuring their win is on sale now. Mike Stirling, director of mischief at the Beano, said: “All of Beano's best bits come directly from kids, championing childhood in all its playful brilliance and making reading the most mischievous thing that they can do! This competition is just one of the ways Beano brings extra fun to summer while showcasing the next wave of cheeky comedy talent. The winning joke was inventive and genuinely hilarious. Clearly, the future of comedy is in safe hands with Boyce class.” Beano joined forces with leading children’s mental health charity Place2Be for its eighth annual competition. Dr Rebecca Kirkbride, clinical director at the organisation, said: “Laughter can play an important role in supporting children’s wellbeing, helping to ease stress and boost confidence. Sharing jokes gives young people a simple way to connect, creating environments where everyone feels included and valued.” Runner-up gags included “What did the teacher say when the cable was late for school? WIRE you late?” by Riverley Primary School in Leyton and “What is Dennis's favourite chocolate treat? A Kinder Beano!” by ESMS Junior School in Edinburgh. St George's C of E Primary School in Bromley also made the top 10 with its joke “What do you call a bedtime cheese? Pyjama-san!”
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PersonInImage: Teacher and pupils at Joy Lane Primary School