A Nidderdale High School student has received national recognition for an innovative engineering project designed to tackle a real problem on his family's farm.
Harry Peel, from Pateley Bridge, was presented with The Royal Academy of Engineering Excellence Award for Outstanding Pupil (Age 12–16) at the 25th Annual Design and Technology Awards, held at the Triumph Visitor Experience in Hinckley.
The award recognises Harry’s ambitious Year 11 GCSE Design and Technology project, in which he designed and built a bespoke gritter attachment for his ATV.
He developed the idea in response to issues faced on the farm, where icy conditions can prevent feed wagons and vehicles from accessing the lane - leading to wasted produce and financial losses.
Drawing on techniques observed during a visit to Econ, a professional gritter manufacturer in Ripon, Harry analysed existing technologies before developing his own solution.
He reused materials already available on the farm and employed both 2D and 3D modelling to refine his design into a safe, efficient and fully functioning product.
His project met all three Eduqas design contexts: improving safety, supporting net-zero goals through reuse and recycling and helping sustain farming as a cultural tradition.
Judges praised Harry for his ability to justify each design choice and clearly explain the function of every component. He achieved a top score of 100%.
The project featured as part of Nidderdale High School’s annual Design Area of Learning Exhibition, which showcased work across Art, Photography and Design Technology. The event was well attended by families and community members, offering a chance to celebrate students’ achievements and inspire younger learners.
Harry discusses his design and the awards experience in a YouTube feature, available here:
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
