Celebrating Excellence

Published 7th November 2024

The Design & Technology Association Excellence Awards have, since 1999, provided a stage to honour and celebrate the talented individuals advancing design and technology education in the UK. Held this year at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire, the event brought together an inspiring group of teachers, students, support staff, and industry partners, showcasing the impressive contributions that fuel the growth and innovation in design and technology education.

A Unique Celebration at an Iconic Venue

The British Motor Museum, with its vast collection of over 400 historic British cars, set the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. In this space where history and innovation unite, the awards celebrated both the legacy and future of British design, reflecting the spirit of creativity and technological progress in the D&T community. Building on the success of the previous year’s event at Aerospace Bristol, this celebration was filled with networking, inspiration, and recognition.

Highlights of the Evening

The event was a heartfelt acknowledgment of excellence across various categories. The keynote address by Navjot Sawhney, founder of The Washing Machine Project, captivated the audience with his story of creating accessible, off-grid washing solutions to support remote and displaced communities. His speech was a  profound reminder of the power of design to impact lives, particularly those in underserved communities, and left many in the audience moved and inspired. Representatives like Jeremy Benson from the Department for Education and Jeff Coope, Managing Director of the British Motor Museum, highlighted the educational and cultural importance of the awards which was poignant amongst guests that ranged from the Jeremy Benson from the DFE, Yewande Akinola, Exam Boards, Teachers from Primary, Secondary, HE, FE, Industry Partners such as Primary Engineer, VEX .

The event was supported by industry sponsors, including Fiona McGarry from Enginuity, Guy Turner from the James Dyson Foundation, and David Lakin from IET, who helped celebrate categories focused on innovation, education, and hands-on design skills. The winners ranged from individual talents, like student Emily Jones in the 16-18 age group, to whole teams like the Royal Wootton Bassett D&T Department, showcasing the power of teamwork in design education. Judges like Kate Finlay from Hethersett Academy and consultant Nerys Jones brought their expertise to the process, ensuring each award truly honoured outstanding achievements in the field. 

Industry Collaboration and Future Focus

This year’s awards included attendees from the British Nutrition Foundation and other industry experts, ensuring a strong future-oriented focus in D&T education. The Association’s partnerships with companies like Autodesk, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Local Supply Chain showcased a shared commitment to advancing educational resources and opportunities.

Looking Forward

The Excellence Awards continue to serve as a source of inspiration within the design and technology field, underscoring the role of teachers, students, and industry leaders in fostering innovation and practical skills. The Association’s partnerships with companies like Autodesk, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and Local Supply Chain showcased a shared commitment to supporting D&T education.

Thank you to our kind sponsors, Autodesk, Enginuity, The James Dyson Foundation, Nook Pods, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, OnePlanet, Cenata, Local Supply Chain, The Royal Academy of Engineering and WJEC CBAC. Special thanks go to The James Dyson Foundation for sponsoring all the tables and including some fantastic table gifts of magic 'jumping beans'.

Read for our full list of winners here