Cornwall College Launches Green Futures Challenge for Secondary Schools

Secondary schools across Cornwall are set to compete in the first-ever Green Futures Challenge, hosted by Cornwall College as part of the Construction Skills Hub project.

Running from September 2025 to March 2026, the Challenge invites students aged 14–16 to design innovative, sustainable solutions that could transform their communities.

Inspiring Real-World Skills

Participating schools include Camborne Academy, Nexus, Pool Academy, Penair School, Richard Lander, Humphry Davy, Oaktree, Hayle Academy, St Ives School, Mounts Bay Academy, Poltair School, Penryn College and Helston College.

Each team will form a student sustainability group and take part in monthly workshops delivered by local industry professionals, including Suez, Celtic Sea, Green Gen, Naked Solar, Kensa, GEL, Clean Earth, Recycle It Global (RIG), Bennaman, Stratum Marquetry, Restor’d, Earth Blocks, Falmouth University and Jess Burton herself.

Jess Burton, Pre-16 Manager at Cornwall College, said the Challenge is about “inspiring real-world skills.”

“Each school will form a student sustainability team and take part in monthly workshops delivered by local industry professionals including Suez, Celtic Sea, Green Gen, Naked Solar, Kensa, GEL, Clean Earth, Recycle It Global (RIG) Bennaman, Stratum Marquetry, Restor’d, Earth Blocks, Falmouth University and myself. Their projects could include eco-friendly schools, hospitals, business parks or community hubs – or other developments chosen by the teams,” Jess explained.

“Throughout the competition, students will build skills in teamwork, research, communication and presentation, alongside knowledge of renewable energy, sustainable technologies and green construction methods.”

Celebrating Cornwall’s Young Innovators

The Green Futures Challenge will culminate in a celebration and awards ceremony in March 2026, where teams will showcase their final concepts. Every student will receive a certificate of participation, and awards will be given in five categories: Most Sustainable, Most Viable, Great Collaboration, Best Presentation and Most Innovative.

Jon Ninnes, Construction Skills Hub Project Manager at Cornwall College, said:
“This competition gives students valuable experience while addressing one of the biggest challenges of our time: building a sustainable future. For businesses, it’s an opportunity to connect with their future workforce and support Cornwall’s green skills pipeline.”

Backed by Industry and Government

This year’s Green Futures Challenge is supported by NOCN, with sponsorship opportunities still open for organisations looking to get involved.

The competition forms part of the Construction Skills Hub project, which is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by Cornwall Council.

To learn more or to sign up for the 2026 competition, visit Cornwall College’s Green Futures Challenge page