Two Year 11 students, Tami and Gabriella, have been recognised for their exceptional achievements in the UCL Ocean Health Challenge 2025: The Plastic Waste Challenge, a national competition encouraging young people to develop innovative solutions to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans.
The competition attracted more than 3,000 students from across the UK, aged 11–18. Participants were challenged to identify a source of plastic pollution, design a practical intervention, and develop a working prototype that could help reduce the impact of plastic waste on marine environments.
Tami was awarded first place in the Key Stage 4 category for her innovative concept of a community thrift shop that collects, cleans, and redistributes waste materials for use in art projects. Her idea transforms everyday discarded items into creative resources, promoting reuse while reducing the amount of waste that could otherwise end up in waterways and oceans.
Gabriella was named runner-up for her design of a stormwater drain filter made from sustainable bamboo. The device is designed to capture macroplastics before they enter drainage systems and flow into rivers and the sea.
Both projects demonstrate the creativity and environmental commitment of young innovators working to address one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Their achievements highlight the important role that students can play in developing practical, sustainable solutions to protect ocean health.
