North East schools showcase construction talent in sustainable building challenge

By Danny BallPublished On: August 3rd, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Pupils from Egglescliffe School in Stockton and Great Park Academy in Newcastle have been named winners of two regional construction challenges designed to inspire the next generation of built environment professionals.

The Schools Built Environment Wonder Challenge, coordinated by the Northern Counties Builders Federation (NCBF) and Constructing Excellence North East, tasked Year 8 students with developing proposals for a sustainable school while learning about careers across the construction sector.

Egglescliffe School won the Teesside competition, while Great Park Academy claimed the North East title. The winning teams each received a £500 prize, with individual team members also awarded gift vouchers.

Students develop sustainable school proposals

Working as simulated construction companies, pupils produced bids for the design of an environmentally sustainable school that met modern educational requirements while incorporating energy efficiency, accessibility and innovation.

The challenge was delivered over a series of project stages, with teams researching careers in construction, developing project plans, creating sustainable building designs and producing scale models before presenting their proposals to panels of industry judges.

Throughout the competition, students also took part in site visits and received guidance from construction professionals, providing an insight into careers across the built environment.

The initiative was designed to support STEM learning while also incorporating elements of geography, design and English through a practical, project-based approach.

Construction industry backs future skills development

The programme was supported by a range of construction businesses operating across the North East and Tees Valley, including Northern Counties Builders Federation, Compass Developments, Carney Consultancy, Wates, TClarke, Caddick Construction, A&N Safety Consultants and RED Engineering.

The challenge was divided into separate North East and Tees Valley competitions.

Finalists in the Tees Valley competition included High Tunstall College of Science and Egglescliffe School, while schools competing in the North East final included Castle View Enterprise Academy, Hexham Middle School, Collingwood School and Media Arts Centre, Valley Gardens Middle School and Great Park Academy.

Industry professionals from contractors, consultants and engineering firms formed the judging panels, assessing each team’s design, presentation and understanding of the construction process.

Industry highlights importance of engaging young people

Catriona Lingwood, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence North East, said: “At a time when we have a skills crisis, entering schools and highlighting the breadth of careers available in construction is invaluable.

“The challenge also provided direct access for students to liaise and interact with professionals working in the built environment, including access to industry experts and site visits.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated time to bring the challenges to life. From our volunteers to the range of companies who sponsored the event.”

Angela Carney, President of the Northern Counties Builders Federation, added: “We say this every year, but the standard of the pupils and their entries was brilliant. Each school is to be commended for their efforts and for really thinking outside of the box.

“They each showed a real willing to learn and deliver on their projects. Working cohesively in teams and learning about the built environment will, hopefully, leave them wanting to learn more about a career in the sector.”

The challenge forms part of wider efforts across the construction industry to engage young people with careers in the built environment and help address long-term skills shortages by promoting construction as a future career choice.