TWO TAMESIDE secondary schools will battle it out with the country’s best after reaching the UK finals of an environmental contest.
Teams representing Fairfield and Longdendale High will face six others as they compete to win the Young Green Briton Challenge, which empowers 11-15-year-olds to tackle climate and sustainability issues through innovation and enterprise.
Both qualified after seeing off 16 other teams in the North West final, where pupils pitch and present ideas to a panel of judges.
They will now head to London in July, where they will present their projects to leading figures in climate education, sustainability and social enterprise.
Droylsden-based Fairfield’s team, SustainInhale, developed a concept for a sustainable asthma inhaler, aimed at reducing plastic waste and the environmental impact of traditional inhaler designs.
Their proposal combines medical necessity with environmental responsibility and demonstrated strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Longdendale’s winning group, Caraplastics, impressed judges with “Tanya the Turtle” – a creative, vacuum-powered turtle designed to float on the ocean surface, collecting microplastics.
Their idea brought a thoughtful and engaging solution to the problem of marine plastic pollution, showcasing innovation, technical thinking, and environmental awareness.
The Young Green Briton Challenge, run by GenEarth, is a nationwide initiative for 11–16-year-olds, encouraging them to explore climate challenges in their communities and develop entrepreneurial responses.
And the achievement has delighted Stamford Park Trust, of which they are both part.
Executive principal Melanie Wicks said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, creativity, and passion for building a more sustainable future.
“Their success in reaching the UK finals is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the quality of education and ambition within our Trust schools. We are excited to see them take their ideas to the national stage.”