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

Talented pupils wow audience with their creative solutions at the Greater Manchester regional award ceremony

The Sea Water Filter, Umbrella Cooling System and Snap Car Raptor were some of the ideas from Greater Manchester pupils, aged 3-19, which were on display and celebrated at the University of Manchester on 9th July. These idea were graded based on the quality of the idea and the problem, large or small, that it is solving.

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 Greater Manchester 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 – Dollhouse by Noor A, Longsight Community Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Pretend Plants by Yusuf M, Longsight Community Primary School 
  • Winner – 2 Floor Car by Ammar J, Longsight Community Primary School 
  • Winner – Princess Purple by nayah K, Longsight Community Primary School 

Year 1: 

  • Highly Commended – Snap Car Raptor by Yusuf U, Longsight Community Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Clothes Bot by Raelynn M, Moorside Primary School 
  • Winner – Flying Doctor by Oliver R, Moorside Primary School 
  • Winner – A Magic Pen by Judy S, Longsight Community Primary School 

Year 2: 

  • Highly Commended – Secret Robot by Muhammad I, Gilnow Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Drone Water Shower by Hidayah L, Westwood Boys School 
  • Winner – Bottle Server by Arthur N, Moorside Primary School 
  • Winner – Crazy Braid by Florence G, New Moston Primary School 

Year 3: 

  • Highly Commended – Rubbish & Toys by Thanmadhi S, Broadheath Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – The Mute Pill by Alayna S, Light Oaks Junior School 
  • Winner – The Plastic Eater by Elizabeth A, Light Oaks Junior School 
  • Winner – The Helping Eye Scanner by Oscar T, Lyndhurst Primary School 

Year 4: 

  • Highly Commended – Ronny the rainwater robot by Frankie M, Moorside Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – Plane that reduces global warming by Kasper L, Broadheath Primary School 
  • Winner – The Sea Water Filter by Rishana R, Longsight Community Primary School 
  • Winner – Med Drone by Shreyas K, Broadheath Primary School 

Year 5: 

  • Highly Commended – Maganetic Soles by William P, SS Aidan Oswald’s 
  • Highly Commended – The World Seer 3000 by Ronnie P, Moorside Primary School 
  • Winner – Leo the Lion by Isabella L, Moorside Primary School 
  • Winner – Chocker by Luca R, Light Oaks Junior School 

Year 6: 

  • Highly Commended – Playback Glasses by Poppy P, Friezland Primary School 
  • Highly Commended – The Cake Mug by Lily C, Light Oaks Junior School 
  • Winner – Spectacular Sprayer by Nancy P, St Luke’s CE Primary School 
  • Winner – The Water Airomatic by Joshua G, Bury Grammar School 

Year 7: 

  • Highly Commended – Heart Help by Jayden O A, St Bedes College  
  • Highly Commended – Pickle Jar by Immy S, St Bedes College  
  • Winner – H.T.P by Khloe D A, St Bedes College  
  • Winner – Umbrella Cooling System by Qaim Q, Kingsway Park High School 

Year 8: 

  • Highly Commended – Covered Protection Motorbike by Muhammad M A, Westwood Boys School 
  • Winner – Adjustable Glasses by Muhammad H, Westwood Boys School 
  • Winner – Campers Mug by Rona S, Eton Academy 

Year 10: 

  • Winner – Pseudo Wiper by Rifal G, Eton Academy 

Year 11: 

  • Winner – Sentinel Grid Development System (SGDS) by Muhammad Toor, Eton Academy 

Among the pupils recognised was Khloe D Afrom St Bedes College, whose invention idea, “H.T.P”, 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. “UpClip” prototype brought to life by Civil Aviation Authority, based on an idea by Jacob H from Stockport Academy, 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 Greater Manchester. 

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/