Bournemouth and Poole College Engineering Students Beat Top Universities to Become National Champions

Three teams represented the college at the prestigious competition, held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' (IMechE) headquarters in London, with all three finishing among the top three in their respective categories.

One team was crowned Overall Foundation Class Champion, securing both the Main Challenge Award and Design Review Award, while a second team received the Design Excellence Award.

The college's students competed against teams from universities including Bournemouth University, Sheffield Hallam University, UCL, the University of Manchester, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Greater Manchester.

Bournemouth and Poole College was the only further education college represented at the National Finals, having qualified by outperforming university teams at the Wessex Regional Finals.

The annual IMechE Design Challenge gives students the opportunity to experience a real-world engineering project, testing their technical knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills.

This year's challenge required teams to design, build and test an autonomous device capable of climbing a vertical pipe and completing a practical engineering task.

Following rigorous technical assessments, design reviews and formal presentations, all three college teams progressed to the Grand Finals, reserved for the top teams in each category.

The winning team's consistent performance and presentation skills impressed the judges, while an innovative ball-bearing timer earned another college team the Design Excellence Award.

The ten students involved are all employed in engineering roles, including apprenticeships with Dorset businesses, combining their higher education studies with hands-on industry experience.

Matthew White, HE Engineering Framework Leader at Bournemouth and Poole College, said:

"A massive well done to our teams for standing out in such an exceptionally strong field. Seeing our students shine in this competitive arena is testament to the college’s practical approach to education, helping students build the solid, real-world skills and innovative thinking employers want, and laying the foundation for rewarding, high-demand careers.”

The victory marks a significant milestone for the college, which has competed in the challenge for just three years. After finishing second in the Wessex Region in its first year, the college went on to win the regional competition and qualify for the National Finals in its second year, before securing the national title this year.

The achievement follows continued investment in engineering education at Bournemouth and Poole College, including the opening of its £1.5 million Advanced Engineering Centre in May 2025.

Equipped with industry-standard technology, including 3D printers, 3D scanners, CNC and milling machines, the centre supports the College's commitment to delivering practical, industry-focused training and developing the next generation of skilled engineers.

For more information about Engineering courses at Bournemouth and Poole College, visit: https://www.thecollege.co.uk/college/study/subject-areas/engineering