2021/22 winners of Step into the NHS secondary schools' competition

The competition saw an impressive 898 entries from 1,540 students in 120 schools from all over England. We estimate that over 18,000 students took part in the competition or worked on its educational resources, which asked students in years 7-9 to research an NHS role and create a lively and engaging job advert that would appeal to their peers.

National winner

We chose ten regional winners to showcase their entries to our judges: television presenter Martin Dougan, 2020’s UK Career Leader of the Year Stacey Drake and medical student and vlogger Takanayi Mureyi. They chose 12 year old Evelyn from St Crispin's School in Wokingham as our national winner!

Evelyn, who is in year 7, impressed the judges with a very creative stop-motion video showcasing the role of medical physicist.  Evelyn used Lego pieces to tell the story of how a student lands their dream role. The video cleverly wove in detailed but engaging information on the qualifications and skills needed to become a medical physicist.  Her entry stood out to our judges, meaning that she scoops this year's top prize of a £50 Amazon voucher, a framed 'national winner' certificate, exciting goody bag and class prize. Well done Evelyn!

One of the Step into the NHS judges, medical student and vlogger Takanayi Mureyi said, "Evelyn made an enchanting and informative video, with very good use of the Lego pieces she had and development of a well thought-out story line." 

Another judge, 2020’s UK Career Leader of the Year Stacey Drake said: 'I have personally learnt a lot about a role I didn't know much about. Your animation was creative and engaging and it is clear lots of time and effort has gone into this."

Regional winners

We received some fantastic entries from all over England, and chose the best from each region. Each regional winner receives a 'regional winner' certificate, a £25 Amazon voucher and an exciting goody bag. Highly commended certificates were also sent to entries on regional shortlists.  

East Midlands

Year 8 students Aysha, Aishah and Umaimah from Jameah Girls' Academy in Leicester recorded an insightful interview with an epidemiologist against the backdrop of the pandemic. The judges were impressed with the girls' dedication to their project and their fantastic presentation skills. You can see the video on NHS Health Careers' YouTube channel.

East of England

Year 9 student Rae, from The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College in Bishop's Stortford, created a video job advert for the role of orthopaedic practitioner. The entry told the story of a patient's journey in the NHS and explained the role's tasks and duties succinctly and creatively. Judges commended Rae on her animation and presenting skills. You can watch the video on our YouTube channel.

Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Year 8 student Julia from Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge created a detailed website and video for the role of orthotist. The judges were impressed by the professionalism of the website, her creativity, hard work and passion. You can see the website here.

London

Year 7 student Hadi from Wembley High Technology College in London created an engaging video presentation for the role of surgeon, set against a virtual backdrop. Judges were impressed by his enthusiasm, passion and how the video brought everything together in a meaningful way. See the video on our YouTube channel.

North East

Year 7 student Ella from Oxclose Community Academy created informative PowerPoint slides for the role of NHS accountant. Judges commended the Ella on her research skills and well-structured presentation.

North West

Year 8 students Isabella, Sophia, Tiana and Isabella from Keswick School in the Lake District created a video simulation to show the day in the life of a laundry assistant in the NHS. Judges thought the entry was innovative and were impressed by the time and effort put into synchronising their narrative with the animation. See the video on our YouTube channel.

South West

Year 8 students Erin, Poppy, Alice and Beatrice from South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury created a fun board game for the role of emergency call dispatcher. Judges were impressed by the teamwork skills needed to create the game and the amount of work and effort that went into the entry. You can watch the video of the board game being demonstrated on our YouTube channel.

West Midlands 

Year 8 students Eliza, Manal and Ameera from President Kennedy School in Coventry created a highly engaging video that featured a catchy song and puppet performance to advertise the role of dramatherapist. The judges loved the apt and creative way the role was presented and the uniqueness of the piece of work. See the video on our YouTube channel.

Yorkshire and the Humber

Year 9 student Nicole from Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire in Scunthorpe created a PowerPoint presentation exploring the role of clinical manager, accompanied by a hand-made laser-cut Monopoly board showing the different job roles a clinical manager encounters. The judges were impressed with the entry's creativity and innovation, and commended her for the research and time spent on the project.  

2023/24 competition

Visit the Step into the NHS website for further information about the competition. The 2023-24 competition will launch in the autumn term 2023.