Posted on / in 'If you were an engineer' Competition

From Big Ideas to Brilliant Designs: Welsh Pupils Celebrated

Bright ideas, bold inventions and future engineering talent were in the spotlight at Cardiff University on 2nd July, as pupils from across Wales came together for Primary Engineer’s regional exhibition and awards ceremony. 

The event celebrated the creativity, curiosity and problem-solving skills of young people who took part in the UK-wide “If you were an engineer, what would you do?” competition, run by educational not-for-profit Primary Engineer. The fully funded competition challenges pupils aged 3 to 19 to interview an engineer, spot a real-world problem and design an invention that could help solve it. 

Every pupil’s idea is carefully read and graded by engineering professionals, with each entrant receiving a personalised certificate. Shortlisted designs are then reviewed by judging panels of leading industry and engineering experts, who select the pupils recognised at regional award ceremonies across the UK. 

At the Wales ceremony, visitors explored an inspiring showcase of shortlisted designs before Highly Commended pupils and winners were welcomed on stage to receive trophies and framed certificates. In total, 34 pupils from schools and home-educated groups across the region were celebrated for their imaginative engineering ideas. 

Reception:

  • Highly Commended, Hospital Helper by Willow B, Bryn Awel Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – The Magic Pen by Freyja  S, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Winner – Magnetic Pen Jar by Alfie H, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Winner – Find My Glasses by Harry E, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 

Year 1: 

  • Winner – The Glow Ride by Logan S, Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedr 
  • Winner – Monster Scarer by Regan J, Bryn Awel Primary School 

Year 2: 

  • Highly Commended – The Mind Reader by Osian L, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – The Mind Reader by Greyson M, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Winner – Bye Bye Bugs by Reggi D, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Winner – Caterpillar Boots by Priscilla O, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 

Year 3: 

  • Highly Commended – Food Maker by Ophelia R, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Winner – Wheelie Wheel by Caitlin A, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Winner – Environmental Hoover by Grace B, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 

Year 4: 

  • Highly Commended – The Ice Cream Hat by Alexii D, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – The Ice Cream Hat by Arianna P, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Winner – Revive-o-5.0 by Ivo B, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 
  • Winner – Human Robot by Levi J, Maes-Y-Coed Primary School 

Year 5: 

  • Winner – Dog Car by Ella M, Ysgol Y Waun  

Year 6: 

  • Highly Commended -The Dream Sleep by Libby, Ysgol Y Waun  
  • Highly Commended – The Bagcheck Pro by Evie D, Clytha Primary School 
  • Winner – The Rectangular Date Reader (TRDR) 2000 by Orion D, Home Educated  
  • Winner – Eyes For Blind by Maryam A, Clytha Primary School 

Year 8: 

  • Highly Commended – The Filteration Bottle by Megan T, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 
  • Winner – Eco Bot by Euan B, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 
  • Winner – Smart Food Scanner by Olly C, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 

Year 9: 

  • Highly Commended – Safe Feel by India C, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 
  • Highly Commended – Grow As You Go by Laurie R, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 
  • Winner – Air Guard by Nel P, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 

Year 10: 

  • Highly Commended – The Safety Lamp Post by Mhorven O, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 
  • Highly Commended – Smart Traffic Light and Dual-Fence Safety System by Cyrus C, Cardiff Sixth Form College 
  • Winner – SnapSole by Steffan R, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 
  • Winner – She Spark by Aneira J, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 
  • Winner – Holo Medic by Melody B, Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn 

Year 12: 

  • Winner – Gotta Catch It All by Jordan S, Oakmont School 

Among the pupils recognised was Maryam from Clytha Primary School, whose invention idea, “Eyes for Blind”, received the special Judges’ Award. 

Primary Engineer thanked its national and regional partners for fully funding the competition and helping bring engineering to life in classrooms across Wales. 

Event highlights can be viewed in the full photo album on Facebook: Primary Engineer | Facebook

The 2026/27 competition is now open, giving even more pupils the chance to turn their engineering ideas into reality. Teachers can register for full competition access and resources here: https://leadersaward.com/resource-area-registration/ 

Primary Engineer Public Exhibitions and Award Ceremonies continue across the UK throughout July, showcasing thousands of pupil-led engineering ideas. Find out more: https://leadersaward.com/exhibitions-and-events/