Rotary Club of Leicester – Technology Tournament 2026

Rotary Club of Leicester - Technology Tournament 2026

On 4th February 2026, once again we held our Rotary Technology Tournament (TT) for teams of pupils from Leicester & surrounding schools.  This year is our 12th such event, and it continues to be very popular amongst school students and their teachers alike, especially from our hosts at Leicester Grammar School.

Over recent years, we have encouraged and supported other Rotary Clubs around Leicestershire to run their own Technology Tournaments and visit our events to see what it is all about.  And this is now bearing fruit: 

    • Uppingham RC have held TTs in the last 2 years and is preparing its third to be held at Oakham School in March.

    • Oadby RC held their first TT last year and are planning their next for this June at Crown Hills School.

    • Lutterworth RC are holding their first TT in early March this year.

    • Lincoln RC have shown interest but has postponed their initial attempt, probably until 2027.

As usual, organising our TT started in October and worked up to a frenzy for the day of the event in early February.  This year’s task was rather more challenging than usual, and we made a special effort to be able to support the teams whenever they seemed to be ‘going up a blind alley’ or getting stuck.  Thanks must go to the judge/mentors for ensuring their charges didn’t lose heart!

This year, we welcomed 124 pupils in teams of four from 11 Leicestershire schools.  It is an inspiring experience to be in a room filled with so many young people focusing their minds and skills on the task with such enthusiasm.

Despite the challenges faced, most teams got a model onto the test rig, and some completed the task.  But the work and learning through the day were the real prize.  Trophies went to Gartree High School in the Foundation age group, to Leicester Grammar School in Intermediate and Oadby Beauchamp Community College in the Advanced group.

We are grateful to our hosts, Leicester Grammar School, who have provided the venue and so much more by way of assistance.  Also, our sponsors, Hodges & Drake and Pick Everard, provided financial support and released young professional designers/engineers to assist with the contestant mentoring and judging.

Finally, the Club is grateful to Vicky Ball (Impact Group) and John Niblett (ex Oadby Launde club), without whom none of this would have happened.  And also to everyone who volunteered to help on the day and in various preparation tasks – You know who you are!

 

Nick Thomson