Pupils Scoop Bellway Green Design Award, Oldham 2026 

Key Points

• Pupils from East Crompton Primary School in Oldham have won Bellway’s national eco-competition with innovative, sustainable house designs.
• The competition, organised by housebuilder Bellway Manchester, challenged schoolchildren aged 7-11 to create eco-friendly home models.
• East Crompton pupils’ entry featured solar panels, rainwater harvesting, green roofs, and recycled materials, earning top spot among 20 regional finalists.
• The win includes a £1,000 prize for school sustainability projects, plus visits from Bellway experts to discuss architecture and environment.
• Competition judges praised the designs for creativity, practicality, and real-world eco-impact, as reported by Oldham Reporter.
• Event ties into Bellway’s commitment to net-zero homes and community education on climate change.
• Pupils involved: Year 5 and 6 students led by teacher Mrs. Sarah Jenkins.
• Announcement made on March 26, 2026, following judging at Bellway’s Eccles headquarters.
• Similar coverage from Manchester Mirror notes the pupils’ use of everyday waste for models, highlighting resourcefulness.
• No other schools from Oldham progressed to nationals; East Crompton represented Greater Manchester.
• Bellway plans to incorporate winning ideas into future developments.
• Headteacher Mr. David Thompson called it a “proud moment” for the school and community.

Oldham(Manchester Mirror) March 26, 2026 – Pupils from East Crompton Primary School have clinched victory in Bellway Manchester’s prestigious eco-competition, showcasing groundbreaking sustainable house designs that blend creativity with environmental responsibility. The win, announced today, awards the school £1,000 to fund further green initiatives, spotlighting the talents of Year 5 and 6 students in Oldham’s push towards sustainability.

What Is Bellway’s Eco-Competition and Who Organised It?

Bellway Manchester, the North West division of the major UK housebuilder, launched the competition to engage primary school pupils in sustainable architecture. As detailed in the primary coverage by journalist Emily Hargreaves of Oldham Reporter, the challenge targeted children aged 7-11, inviting them to design eco-friendly homes using simple materials like cardboard, plastic bottles, and recycled fabrics.

The initiative forms part of Bellway’s broader sustainability strategy, aiming to educate young people on net-zero carbon living. “We wanted to inspire the next generation of architects and environmentalists,” stated Bellway Manchester design manager Rachel Patel, as quoted by Hargreaves in Oldham Reporter. Entries poured in from schools across Greater Manchester, with 20 regional finalists selected for national judging at Bellway’s Eccles office.

Which School Won and What Made Their Designs Stand Out?

East Crompton Primary School’s entry triumphed, led by Year 5 and 6 pupils under the guidance of class teacher Mrs. Sarah Jenkins. Their model home incorporated solar panels for renewable energy, a rainwater harvesting system to conserve water, living green roofs to boost biodiversity, and walls built from recycled tyres and bottles – all crafted from household waste.

Judges, including Bellway architects and eco-experts, lauded the practicality. “The designs were not just imaginative but feasible for real-world application,” remarked judge and Bellway sustainability officer Tom Reilly, according to Emily Hargreaves’ report in Oldham Reporter. Cross-coverage from Manchester Mirror journalist Liam Foster highlighted how the pupils calculated energy savings: their model promised 40% less water use and halved energy bills through insulation from recycled denim.

Headteacher Mr. David Thompson expressed delight: “This victory is a testament to our pupils’ ingenuity and our school’s commitment to eco-education. We’re thrilled,” he told Oldham Reporter. The £1,000 prize will fund solar-powered outdoor classrooms and a wildlife garden.

How Did East Crompton Pupils Prepare Their Winning Entry?

Preparation began in January, with Mrs. Jenkins integrating the project into curriculum lessons on science and design technology. Pupils researched Bellway’s real developments, like the eco-homes at nearby Failsworth sites, and sketched over 50 concepts before building the final model.

As reported by Liam Foster of Manchester Mirror, the team held “eco-brainstorming sessions” using digital tools and guest talks from local environmentalists. “We learned that small changes, like bee-friendly gardens, make big differences,” said lead pupil Aisha Khan, aged 10, in Foster’s article. Recycled materials were sourced from school bins and parents, emphasising zero-waste principles.

Bellway provided design kits and webinars, ensuring accessibility. “Every child could participate, regardless of resources,” noted Rachel Patel of Bellway Manchester to Oldham Reporter.

What Prizes Did the Winners Receive?

The top prize includes £1,000 cash for East Crompton Primary’s sustainability projects, plus an all-day visit from Bellway architects for workshops on green building. Runners-up from schools in Bolton and Stockport received £500 each.

Additional perks: Certificates, eco-kits with seeds and composting tools, and features in Bellway’s annual sustainability report. “These rewards empower schools to lead on climate action,” said Bellway Manchester managing director Helen Cartwright, per Emily Hargreaves in Oldham Reporter.

Why Did Judges Choose East Crompton’s Design Over Others?

Innovation, feasibility, and impact sealed the win. Among 20 finalists, East Crompton’s entry scored highest on criteria like energy efficiency (solar integration), water conservation (greywater recycling), and biodiversity (vertical gardens).

Tom Reilly of Bellway told Manchester Mirror’s Liam Foster: “Their use of everyday waste showed true resourcefulness – it’s exactly how we build sustainable communities.” Other finalists, like St. Mary’s in Salford, impressed with wind turbines but lacked the holistic approach.

Judging emphasised UK net-zero goals by 2050, aligning with government mandates. “These pupils grasp the urgency,” Reilly added.

How Does This Fit Bellway’s Sustainability Goals?

Bellway commits to net-zero homes by 2035 across its UK sites. The competition feeds ideas into projects like the 250-home development in Chadderton, Oldham, featuring air-source heat pumps and EV chargers.

Rachel Patel explained to Oldham Reporter: “Pupil designs influence our engineers – green roofs from East Crompton may appear in Failsworth builds.” Bellway’s 2025 report notes 15% emission cuts firm-wide, with competitions driving community buy-in.

What Reactions Came from School, Parents, and the community?

Pride swept East Crompton. Parent liaison officer Ms. Laura Patel said: “Our kids prove Oldham’s future is green,” to Manchester Mirror. Councillor Marie Blackburn, Oldham Council’s environment lead, congratulated: “A shining example for borough schools.”

Social media buzzed, with #BellwayEcoWin trending locally. Bellway shared pupil videos, amassing 5,000 views.

Who Were the Key Pupils and Teachers Involved?

Standouts: Aisha Khan (10, lead designer), Ollie Thompson (11, energy expert), and Sofia Rahman (9, biodiversity specialist). Mrs. Sarah Jenkins coordinated, with support from head Mr. David Thompson.

“We balanced fun with facts,” Jenkins told Liam Foster of Manchester Mirror.

What Happens Next for the Winners?

Bellway architects visit next month for hands-on sessions. The £1,000 funds a solar trail and pond. Pupils present at Oldham’s Earth Day event in April.

Bellway eyes a 2027 expansion, per Helen Cartwright.