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

Nearly 2,000 pupils from all over England sent in an incredible 1,752 entries to the competition, which asked pupils to work alone or in pairs to create a piece of artwork or writing that showcased the variety of roles in the NHS and challenged gender stereotyping in jobs. 

The winners are listed below, and you can see their entries displayed 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 showcased their entries virtually to our NHS judges: orthoptist Sajida Hanif, clinical scientist Kade Flowers, corporate finance business partner Sophia van Wyk and physiotherapist Chloe Charles.

They crowned Aarna, a year 5 pupil from Elmridge Primary School in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, as our national winner! 

Aarna submitted a highly creative piece of artwork that carried a central message of diversity in the NHS. Not only did it demonstrate how important having the right values are, the eye-catching design also listed some of the over 350 NHS careers and included facts about the NHS.

Aarna scoops this year's top prize of a £50 Amazon voucher, goody bag, and a framed 'national winner' certificate and class prize. Her entry will also be displayed in public for the school's local community to see. Well done Aarna!

The judges said: "What a very pretty and unique poster showing the different staff and jobs that work in the NHS. Your presentation was amazing and you were very confident! You also asked really good questions. Fantastic entry Aarna; well done on being the national winner!" 

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 5 pupil Georgia from Derby High School created a beautifully-made display that showcased a selection of roles. It included facts about the NHS and challenged some myths around gender stereotyping in jobs. Judges said: "A brilliant 3D model, and great thought clearly went into the different roles in the NHS. We also really liked the behind the scenes roles you mentioned!"

East of England

Year 6 pupils Ella and Penny from Palgrave Church of England Primary School in Suffolk wrote a lovely illustrated poem that emphasised the various roles in the NHS. It also made it clear that the NHS welcomes everyone, regardless of gender or background. Judges said: "Really great poem and art work divided between the two of you. Your talk was confident and you drew on your real experience for your entry. Great work!"

Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Year 4 pupil Minka from Brunswick Primary School in Hove, Sussex, created a great piece of artwork that captured the diversity of the NHS workforce. It showed the variety of different careers in the health service. Judges said: "Absolutely fantastic demonstration of so many different types of jobs in the NHS. You delivered your presentation very confidently and your enthusiasm is infectious! Great job!"

London

Year 5 pupil Jenita from St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School & Nursery in Harrow designed a fantastic poster depicting many different NHS roles. It also included important values, such as teamwork, and showed how diversity is a strength. Judges said: "Your extensive research is evident, and we loved your demonstration of working together with the chains!"

North East

Year 4 pupil Mya from Fulwell Junior School in Sunderland created an engaging set of PowerPoint slides that presented information on a number of careers. It also mentioned the reasons why Mya was grateful for the NHS. Judges said: "Very extensive and well researched PowerPoint. Confident verbal presentation and good use of personal experience. You injected your personality into the presentation really well!"

South West

Year 4 pupil Lucia from Redmaids' High Junior School in Bristol shot a delightful video interview with her dad, an NHS doctor.  Judges said: "Very unique and creative entry. Lucia, you gave a very confident and clear presentation with lots of personality. Well done!" 

Thames Valley and Wessex

Chloe from Alfriston School in Beaconsfield drew a cleverly thought-out flowchart that showcased a number of NHS roles. It also included a touching tribute to Chloe's parents, who work in the NHS.  Judges said: "Well done Chloe, we really enjoyed your flow chart. It was definitely unique. Amazing drawings too!"

West Midlands

Year 5 pupil Polly from Walford Nursery & Primary School in Ross-on-Wye created an appealing and colourful poster showcasing a number of roles. It clearly communicated the message that no matter your gender, you can work in the NHS. Judges said: "Lovely use of colour in the poster! You also have great exposure to the NHS through your family which is great. Good messaging to challenge gender stereotypes."

Yorkshire and the Humber 

Year 5 pupil Emilia from Carr Junior School in York created a wonderfully written poem that brought to life the hard work of many different NHS staff. It was accompanied by some lovely drawings that showcased the diversity of the NHS. Judges said: "Amazing drawings with a very creative poem, with some excellent rhyming couplets."

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.