...and read some of the jokes from the Beano competition

An East London school has scooped the title of Britain’s Funniest Class in the annual competition, fun by the Beano.

Stratus Class (Year 5) from Riverley Primary School in Leyton, London, beat hundreds of other schools with gag: ‘What do you call the fanciest punctuation? An a-posh-trophe.’

Their teacher Maisha Mahfuza, said that entering the contest had been an ‘exciting process’ and that her pupils were ‘amazed’ to win and have their gag featured in the comic. 

She added: ‘Seeing our class and joke featured in Beano was surreal. Britain’s Funniest Class competition is a fantastic way to spark laughter, boost creativity and build confidence in children.’

Other shortlisted jokes were:

Why did the shark have stomach ache?   Because it ate a school dinner Gosforth East Middle School, Whitley Bay

What's the difference between Dennis and Gnasher?   Dennis wears shorts and Gnasher pants! Woodland View Primary School, Northampton

What's the opposite of a Dandelion?  A BeanoTiger Lancing Prep,  Worthing

What did Stevie Star say when he finished the dramatic writing test?  I'm done done done! Stradbroke Primary School, Sheffield

How do you get a class to be quiet?   Tell them this joke Cross Arthurlie Primary, Glasgow

Why did the chicken cross the road?   Be-CAAWWWW-se! Malvern Parish CofE Primary School, Malvern

What do dinosaurs eat?   ROAR carrots St. Michael's Primary School, Lichfield

What's the cleverest school dinner?   Maths potato St. Michael's Primary School, Lichfield

Gnasher tried to open a store. Business was ruff! Fitzjohn's Primary School, London

Mike Stirling, ‘director of mischief' at Beano said: ‘As the only comic where kids are in charge, Beano continues to celebrate childhood in all its mischievous, screen-free glory. This perfectly crafted joke from Stratus Class is creative, mischievous and 100 per cent funny. It had us laughing out loud. The comedy crown is safe with the Stratus kids.’

The comic featuring Britain’s Funniest Class and the shortlisted jokes is on sale now.

Published: 11 Jun 2025