If you know a teacher who goes above and beyond to inspire the next generation of engineers, there is now a little more time to put their name forward.
The ERA Foundation has extended the application deadline for the 2026 David Clark Prize to Thursday 30 April 2026.
The prize celebrates exceptional educators who are helping young people discover engineering and see themselves in it. Two awards will be made: one for a primary teacher and one for a secondary school, FE college or UTC teacher.
Each winner will receive a £3,000 personal award, with a further £12,000 awarded to their school to support engineering initiatives over the next three years.
Winners will be announced at the ERA Annual Dinner in September 2026.
What the judges are looking for
The David Clark Prize recognises educators who show real commitment to technology and engineering education and who are making a lasting difference to young people.
The selection panel will be looking for evidence of:
- a strong vision for technology and engineering education
- creative and engaging approaches to working with young people
- success in inspiring students towards engineering pathways and careers
- clear impact over the last five years
- hands-on engineering experiences
- partnerships with employers or industry
- innovative curriculum work
- a commitment to inclusion and broadening participation
Importantly, nominees should be able to show work that goes beyond standard curriculum delivery.
How to nominate
Nominations should include:
- a 600-word submission outlining the educator’s achievements
- a one-minute video showcasing their work
Completed nominations should be sent to andrew.everett@erafoundation.org by Thursday 30 April 2026.
The nomination form is available here: https://born2.science/2025applicationformclarkprize
A prize with a strong legacy
Since launching in 2016, the David Clark Prize has recognised 16 outstanding educators from across the UK.
The 2025 awards were especially notable. For the first time, both categories had joint winners, and winners were represented from all four UK nations.
Recent recipients highlight the many different ways teachers are transforming engineering education. Among them were educators who have built inclusive computing and engineering cultures in primary schools, introduced new engineering and technology subjects, developed regional teacher networks, and engaged thousands of students through competitions, enrichment and industry partnerships.
The prize honours Dr David Clark, who established it in 2016 and remained closely involved with it for many years. Dr Clark, who passed away in September 2025, had a distinguished career in telecommunications, space science and research leadership, including roles with the Science and Engineering Research Council, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Warwick Manufacturing Group.
This award continues his legacy by recognising the educators who are opening doors, raising aspirations and helping young people imagine a future in engineering.
If someone in your school, college or network is doing brilliant work in this space, now is a great time to make sure that work gets the recognition it deserves.