A 19-year-old former Chelmsford student is preparing to compete in the grand final of Miss Teen Great Britain 2026.

Fozila Umurzoqova has announced that she has been offered a place in the national final after progressing through the competition’s application and semi-final stages.

The Maldon-based student, who previously attended Chelmsford County High School for Girls, will now travel to Blackpool for a weekend of challenges and events culminating in the Miss Teen Great Britain final on Sunday, October 11.

It will be Fozila’s first experience of competing in a pageant.

Announcing the news, she said she was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete alongside other ambitious young women.

Fozila said: “There are many misconceptions about the beauty pageant industry, particularly the idea that pageants are solely about appearance.

“For me, it represents so much more. Pageants provide opportunities to empower young women, build confidence, raise awareness for important causes and support charities, while encouraging contestants to step outside of their comfort zones.”

Building confidence and new skills

Fozila is currently studying A-levels in psychology, biology and chemistry.

She said taking part in the competition would give her an opportunity to develop her confidence, communication and public-speaking abilities while meeting other young women and challenging herself outside her comfort zone.

She added that she hoped to gain useful skills that could be carried into her future professional life—and joked that the experience might finally teach her how to walk properly in heels.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing where this experience takes me and, most importantly, making the most of every opportunity to learn, grow and connect with others along the way,” she said.

Miss Teen Great Britain final

Miss Teen Great Britain is open to young women aged between 16 and 19, with separate competitions held for younger age groups.

The competition has been running since 2011 and describes its finals weekend as an opportunity for contestants to develop confidence, make new friends and take part in a variety of experiences.

This year’s programme begins in Blackpool on Friday, October 9 with the Beauty Queen Challenge Day.

The Little Miss Teen Great Britain and Miss Junior Teen Great Britain finals will follow on Saturday, October 10, before the Miss Teen Great Britain grand final takes place at The Globe Theatre on Sunday, October 11.

Finalists will also take part in professional photoshoots, interviews and social events during the weekend.

Fozila’s progress to the grand final follows her inclusion among the competition’s 2026 semi-finalists.

Further information about the competition and national finals is available at https://www.missteengreatbritain.co.uk/.