2023/24 winners of Step into the NHS secondary schools competition

Nearly 2,500 students from all over England sent in an incredible 1,483 entries to the competition, which asked students to work alone or in groups to research an NHS role and create a job advert for it that appealed to their peers. 

The winners are listed below, and you can see their entries on our online gallery on the Step into the NHS website.

National winner

We held a Winners' Day in June where our ten regional winners presented their entries virtually to our NHS judges: nurse Joan Pons Laplana, director of nursing Kath Evans, medical student Takanayi Mureyi and physiotherapist Justine Musiime.

They crowned Hannah, Millie and Lily from Newcastle High School for Girls our national winners! 

The year 8 trio created a working model of a vending machine to advertise the role of dramatherapist. The highly creative and innovative design dispensed key facts about the career, such as day-to-day tasks, skills and qualifications needed, in a way that would appeal to their friends.

Hannah, Millie and Lily's scooped this year's top prize of a £50 Amazon voucher, goody bag, framed 'national winner' certificate each and a prize for their class. Their entry will also be displayed in public for their school's local community to see. Well done all!

The judges said: "You showed great teamwork and a combination of different skill sets. It’s an incredible final project, just a phenomenal piece. It conveyed the role perfectly and you are worthy winners!"

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 and 'best in school' certificates have also been awarded.

East Midlands

Year 8 student Delisha from Avanti Fields School in Leicester created an interactive poster to advertise the role of dentist. It was beautifully presented and even mentioned other professions in the dental team.  Judges said: "The 3D concept on a poster, and the QR code demonstrated immense creativity. There was outside the box thinking and clearly a lot of dedication!"

You can see a video of the entry on YouTube.

East of England

Year 9 student Ela from Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School in Hatfield created an eye-catching 'crime scene' poster to advertise the role of forensic psychologist. It captured all the qualifications, skills and necessary information about the job. Judges said: "Ela, you brilliantly combined your passion for Sherlock and forensic psychology to make a great project. Well done!"

Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Year 8 students Elizabeth, Isabel and Chloe from Sir William Perkins's School in Chertsey created an 'NHS careers radio' show that showcased the role of art therapist. The entry conveyed all of the necessary information about the job in a really creative way. Judges said: "Your radio presentation was incredible. It was very captivating and we loved the inclusivity - well done."

You can watch the video on YouTube.

London

Year 8 student Lina from Surbiton High School in South West London created a model of a TV with revolving pages that advertised the role of cardiac physiologist. The highly original concept had lots of fantastic information about the role, and even a call to action to visit a website for more information. Judges said: "What a genius idea, with a unique piece and mindful eco-friendly approach. Your piece stood out and your drive was very authentic. Well done"

North West

Year 8 students Phoebe and Clara from West Kirby Grammar School in Wirral designed a creative board game to advertise the role of optician. The board, which was in the shape of an eye, was accompanied by a detailed rule book which had considered career progression. Judges said: "The creativity and attention to detail was phenomenal. Creating a board that was in the shape of an eye! And also the eye cards with the detailed information at the back. Brilliant work!"

South West

Year 9 students Millie, Antonia, Evie and Hollie from Scott Medical and Healthcare College in Plymouth scripted and starred in a highly informative TV news show to advertise the role of paramedic. Judges said: "The TV presentation was very well done, it was concise and captivating. Congratulations team!"

Thames Valley and Wessex

Students in years 9 and 7, Gunveen, Saanvi and Navraj from Herschel Grammar School in Slough, created a professional-looking news programme to advertise the role of cardiologist. Judges said: "So many skills demonstrated: teamwork skills, tenacity, lots of preparation. Brilliant work and you were an amazing team!"

You can watch the video on YouTube.

West Midlands 

Year 9 student Austin from Denstone College in Uttoxeter designed a professional-looking leaflet to advertise the role of paramedic. It carried authentic recruitment messaging and was well-structured to convey the training, tasks and skills needed for the role. Judges said: "An incredible leaflet, very eye-catching and well thought out. Its focus on the patients’ needs such as education and easing anxiety with the crossword was exceptional work!"

Yorkshire and the Humber

Year 7 student Eva from Selby High School in North Yorkshire created an eye-catching poster to advertise the role of paediatric nurse. It succinctly covered the qualifications needed, day to day tasks and typical hours. Judges said: "We thought you had a lovely presentation and a lovely poster! It had beautiful colours which definitely fit in with the ‘paediatric’ theme."

2024-25 competition

Visit the Step into the NHS website to see how your school can get involved in the competition, which will launch again in the autumn term.