PRIMARY NEWS
Primary schools invited to partake in national playground design competition
Project Playgrounds, the specialist playground solution from Thermapply, has announced the launch of its new annual Playground Design Competition, inviting primary schools across the UK to take part in a creative initiative that encourages children to design their perfect playground for play, learning and wellbeing.
The competition challenges pupils to think about how outdoor spaces can be used not just for fun, but also to support learning, social interaction and physical activity. The winning school will receive a playground created by Project Playgrounds, helping to turn children’s ideas into a real, engaging play environment.
Built around the concept of “play with purpose”, the competition aims to highlight how well-designed playgrounds can support key developmental skills. From numeracy through number grids and counting games, to teamwork through social play zones, and physical wellbeing through fitness trails, playground markings can help children learn while they play.
Children will be encouraged to think creatively about how their playground could include: • Games that support maths and problem-solving • Areas that encourage social interaction and teamwork • Fitness zones that promote active, healthy lifestyles • Inclusive designs that allow all children to take part
Jonathan Hamp, Joint Managing Director at Thermapply Group, commented, “At Thermapply, our focus is simple: make every step safer, and every play space more purposeful. We believe playgrounds should inspire movement, creativity and learning. This competition gives children the opportunity to shape the spaces they use every day, while helping schools see the real value of play that supports education, wellbeing and
social development.”
With nearly two decades of experience and more than 3,000 school installations across the UK, the Project Playgrounds solution has helped transform outdoor areas into vibrant, engaging environments that encourage children to be active, imaginative and confident. As a nationwide supplier and installer, Thermapply will deliver the winning playground design anywhere in mainland UK, ensuring schools from all regions have the chance to benefit from the competition. Schools will be invited to submit pupil-designed playground concepts, showcasing how their ideal play space would support fun, learning and inclusion.
Full entry details and timelines are available here: u
https://www.thermapply.co.uk/ppcomp
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Griffin Schools Trust primary pupils attend Science Camp 2026
Griffin Schools Trust held its annual Science Symposium from 2nd to 6th March. Under this year’s theme – ‘Identity, our story, our legacy’ – the symposium sparked curiosity, celebrated creativity and brought science to life, with pupils across the Trust engaging in hands-on experiments, innovative explorations, and inspiring community activities. Marissa Davies, GST Science Lead, said: “The symposium created a huge amount of excitement, with pupils taking on the role of scientists, and embracing this year’s vibrant programme blending hands-on science with real-world discovery. Our keynote speaker this year was Dr Richard Greenwood, a senior research fellow for the Planetary Space Sciences at the Open University.” One major showpiece for 2026 was the GST Science Camp, with Year 4 pupils from across the Trust’s 11 primary schools invited to take part in a themed science challenge to win a place. The 88 winning pupils enjoyed an overnight adventure filled with stargazing, astronaut training, robotics workshops, VR exploration, science shows, and a trip to the Science Museum’s world-famous Wonderlab.
The symposium has strong links to GST’s ongoing two-year project with the Open University - ‘Asteroids - Do look up!’, with Dr Richard Greenwood, Senior Research Fellow in Planetary Sciences at The Open University, encouraging pupils to become astronomers, and exploring the world of meteorites, meteors, and asteroids.
Lewis Delivett, Deputy Head at GST’s Willow Brook School in Leyton, said: “We were thrilled by this year’s Science Symposium. GST encourages all its pupils across the Trust to see themselves as scientists, curious, capable, and ready to explore the world, inspiring children with hands-on experiences they will always remember, and raising aspirations by making science accessible. With immersive experiences, powerful partnerships and a strong commitment to scientific curiosity, this year’s Symposium proved to be an energising celebration of science for pupils, staff and the wider community.”
GST continues to expand its science offer through sector-leading partnerships. Work with the Open University and Natural History Museum brings specialist workshops, investigations and expert engagement into classrooms, while the Ogden Trust provides exceptional CPD, funding and high- quality resources that strengthen teaching across GST schools.
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www.education-today.co.uk March 2026 CMY K
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