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

From robot helpers to smart pavements: Liverpool, Merseyside and Cheshire pupils’ inventions celebrated at Regional Awards

Pupils from across Liverpool, Merseyside and Cheshire gathered for Primary Engineer’s regional exhibition and awards ceremony at the Liverpool John Moores University on 7th July to celebrate innovate ideas and recognise the next generation of engineering talent.

The celebration brought together curious, creative young problem-solvers who had taken part in the UK-wide “If you were an engineer, what would you do?” competition, delivered by educational not-for-profit Primary Engineer. The fully funded competition invites pupils aged 3 to 19 to interview an engineer, identify a real-world problem and design an invention that could make a difference. 

Every idea submitted is read and graded by engineering professionals, with each pupil receiving a personalised certificate in recognition of their work. Shortlisted designs are then considered by judging panels of leading industry and engineering experts, who choose the pupils celebrated at regional award ceremonies across the UK. 

At the Liverpool, Merseyside and Cheshire ceremony, guests explored an inspiring exhibition packed with shortlisted pupil designs before Highly Commended pupils and winners were invited on stage to receive trophies and framed certificates. In total, 37 pupils from schools and home-educated groups across the region were recognised for their imaginative engineering ideas.

 Reception: 

  • Highly Commended – The grabbing jet by Shae A, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Bully band by Nell D, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – A magic park by Edie W, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – Hugs around the world by Arya E, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 

Year 1: 

  • Highly Commended – Homework helper by Bear D, Mersey Park Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Litter lock drains by Teddy M, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – Flood me not by Poppy R, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – The litter fish inhaler by Joseph R, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 

Year 2: 

  • Highly Commended – Hot and cold flask by Phoebe T, Liverpool College 
  • Highly Commended – Safe football by Arlo, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – Helping nurse bot by Asa W, Mersey Park Primary School 
  • Winner – Smart safety mug by Grace C, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 

Year 3: 

  • Highly Commended – Lego printer by Isaac, St John’s Catholic Junior School 
  • Highly Commended – The house building flower by Lucia, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – Helpful shopping list by Orlaith, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – A dry and protect booth by Blossom N, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 

Year 4: 

  • Highly Commended – The traffic light tracker by John M, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Eldely Airbag Coat by Sonny R, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – The dryomatic deluxe by Imogen R, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – The focus glow by Ivy Q, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 

Year 5: 

  • Highly Commended – Never forget iron by Vlada T, Oughtrington Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Cooling & heating system pyjamas by Eliza H, Charles Darwin Primary School 
  • Winner – The fish of the future by Alice C, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – Story-snugler by Grace A, St John’s Catholic Junior School 

Year 6: 

  • Highly Commended – The Ro-button by Sophia L, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Pearl-bloom bundle by Hope W, Charles Darwin Primary School 
  • Winner – Electricity generating speed bumps by Saoirse S, Much Woolton Catholic Primary School 
  • Winner – Fridge scanner by Alice S, St Vincents De Paul Catholic School 

Year 7: 

  • Winner – Pain away by Hayatt D, Liverpool College 
  • Winner – Aura Wear Mood Sweater by Yeva S, Liverpool College 

Year 8: 

  • Highly Commended – Eco charge by Aidyn R, Liverpool College 
  • Winner – Air reviver by Tom G, Liverpool College 
  • Winner – Smart energy pavement by Emmie T, Liverpool College 

Year 9: 

  • Highly Commended – Smart cancer sensor patch by Sienna S, Liverpool College 
  • Highly Commended – Aquabreathe by Grace P, Liverpool College 
  • Winner – Dish dash by Gennelle H, Liverpool College 
  • Winner – The kiddi kick counter by Nancy O, Liverpool College 

Among the pupils recognised was Hayatt D from Liverpool College, whose invention idea, “Pain Away”, received the special Judges’ Award. 

Each year, Primary Engineer’s university and industry partners select an idea from the previous year’s shortlisted entries to develop into a working prototype. “The Helpful Robot” prototype brought to life by Liverpool John Moores University, based on an idea by Evie S from Much Woolton Catholic Primary School, was unveiled at the ceremony. 

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

Photos from the day can be viewed in the full Facebook album: Primary Engineer | Facebook 

The 2026/27 competition is now open, offering more pupils the chance to imagine, design and share engineering ideas that could help shape the future. 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/