We are thrilled to announce the shortlist for the annual V&A Innovate National Schools Challenge 2024 – 25, a celebration of young people’s imaginative and inspiring design ideas.
Working in teams, we asked students in years 7, 8 and 9 to come up with ideas to help solve real-world problems. This year, they chose to explore one of three contextual challenges – BELONG, CELEBRATE, TRANSFORM. These were inspired by our Design: 1900 – Now galleries, which ask critical questions about contemporary issues in our world today.
Students investigated the theme, undertook research in their school or local area, and used iteration and prototyping to come up with an idea that could have a positive impact on people and the planet. Teams then entered two design sheets describing their design journey and their idea. From the 195 entries received this year, our industry judging panel helped select ten finalist teams who are invited to the V&A on 18 March to pitch their ideas to the judges.
2024-25 Judges
Our inspiring judges this year are:
Jude Pullen
Jude Pullen is a Creative Technologist who is one of the eight featured inventors in BBC Two’s Big Life Fix documentary series that helps people with disabilities through technology and design.
Liam Charles
Liam Charles is a TV presenter who is well known for his time as a contestant on the Great British Bake Off, and now presents Bake Off: The Professionals and acts as a judge on Junior Bake Off.
Angellica Bell
Angellica Bell is TV presenter and Radio host. Angellica’s career started at CBBC and she presents on The One Show and is a host on Magic Radio.
To see our judges in action as they undergo their own COLLECT, MAKE, SHARE process please click the links below:
Awards
At the Pitching & Awards Day the judges will select winners for six awards:
- Overall winner
- BELONG winner
- CELEBRATE winner
- TRANSFORM winner
- Best Pitch
- Emerging Innovators
- The Student Choice Winner Award (this is voted for on the day by students)
Finalists and winners receive trophies to take back to school and the overall winners will receive a free workshop. V&A Innovate is a core part of our mission to champion the vital place of creative education on the curriculum and to nurture the change-makers of tomorrow. Teachers delivered the project over the Summer and Autumn terms to over 11,000 students, during lessons or as part of lunchtime or after school clubs. We were delighted to receive so many well-researched, thoughtful, imaginative, and impactful ideas from students from all over the country. Congratulations to all who took part.
Finalist Schools and their Design Ideas
BELONG
Chelmsford County High School, Essex – Hear the Hand
A glove linked to an app that audio transcribes sign language.
The Ecclesbourne School, Derbyshire – The Life Bench
A sheltered and solar power-heated bench for people experiencing homelessness.
Kelvin Hall Secondary School, East Yorkshire – Belong Trucks
A travelling convoy of trucks that support people with their sensory, mental and physical health and social connection needs.
Camden School for Girls, London– The Glow-cycle
A portable product that clips onto a bike handle to help cyclists find their way on journeys and ride safely at night.
CELEBRATE
Burgate School and Sixth form, Hampshire – Planet Puzzle
Learning material made from recyclable plastic that teaches children about the dangers of plastic waste in our oceans.
Mulberry Academy London Dock, London – Boom Bloom
A range of biodegradable daytime fireworks made from bioluminescent seeds.
Camden School for Girls, London – Smart Pot
Kitchenware that helps young people learn to cook quick and healthy meals.
TRANSFORM
Manor CE School, North Yorkshire – Dog Tread Harness
A durable dog harness made from recycled tyres.
Newstead Wood School for Girls, London – Bug-A-Bowl
A range of edible insect snack bowls, made from eco-friendly material.
Rainhill High School, Lancashire – Sensescapes
A sensory garden that provides a safe space for local teenagers.
Winners will be announced in March following the Pitching & Awards Day. Wishing luck to all teams!
V&A Innovate resources are free to access for any school, and the National Schools Challenge is open to state-funded secondary schools in England.
Find out more about V&A Innovate.
