School Design Prize 2026

Published 20th May 2026

School Design Prize 2026 opens within New Furniture Makers Awards, celebrating classroom excellence

Focus on A Level, Level 3 and GCSE design outcomes

The Furniture Makers' Company has opened entries for the 2026 New Furniture Makers Awards, with a strengthened focus on the School Design Prize, offering teachers a valuable opportunity to showcase outstanding student work in furniture and product design.

This year, the School Design Prize is split into two distinct categories: A Level/Level 3 and GCSE, ensuring appropriate recognition of achievement across key stages. For teachers, this provides a clear route to celebrate coursework that demonstrates both creative thinking and high-quality making skills, aligned closely with curriculum expectations in design and technology.

Photography © Moritz Schmittat: Frameshot – Commercial Photography and Video Production

What teachers need to submit and how work is assessed

For A Level/Level 3 students, teachers are asked to submit applications on behalf of students, including a page of design ideas, design development pages, technical drawings, a scale model in foam, cardboard or 3D form, and a full-size prototype. This category rewards excellence in both concept development and craftsmanship, with judges looking closely at ambition, resolution and making quality.

At GCSE level, submissions require a page of design ideas, development work, drawings and a scale model. Assessment focuses on whether the design fulfils its purpose, the ambition of the concept, the appropriateness of design choices and finishes, and the overall standard of craftsmanship. Both categories place strong emphasis on design thinking and practical execution, offering teachers a meaningful framework for assessment and enrichment.

For design and technology teachers, the School Design Prize provides a powerful platform to motivate students, raise aspirations and connect classroom projects to real-world industry recognition. It also offers a clear structure for showcasing portfolios at their strongest, supporting progression and celebrating achievement.

Teachers are encouraged to submit entries on behalf of their students and explore how current coursework can be developed to meet the award criteria.

Entries are now open via the official submission portal. Teachers can find full details and enter below.
School Design Prize 2026 (GCSE Level)
School Design Prize 2026 ( A Level/ Level 3)

For any questions regarding submissions, please contact Alex at Alexander.Gifford@morleycollege.ac.uk

Guidance on submitting student work for competitions can be found here.