Schools Challenge 2023

Every year, thousands of babies are cared for in hospital Neonatal Units because they have either been born prematurely, or full term but sick.

Award-winning education consultancy Class Of Your Own (COYO) has joined forces with the NHS "New Hospital Programme" (NHP) and Bliss, the charity for babies born premature or sick, to launch an extraordinary challenge for secondary school students.

The COYO Challenge 2023 tasks students aged 11 to 16 to design a net zero Neonatal Unit using modern methods of construction.

Supported by leading professional bodies and Zero - a global community driving sustainable change across the construction industry, the Challenge offers children and young people a real-world opportunity to get involved in modern infrastructure projects.

Using empathy, creativity and imagination and a range of problem solving and critical thinking skills, students will address a range of social and environmental issues – all through the lens of healthcare and construction professionals.

Find out more on and sign up for the challenge through the Design Engineer Construct website