Using tech to do the right thing: GoIT finals 2026

The events were full of bright ideas, tech talent, and a real passion for protecting our planet as primary pupils from across our Trust came together for this year’s GoIT finals.

Delivered in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), GoIT is all about opening doors. The programme gives pupils a practical introduction to the digital world and helps them build the skills they’ll need to thrive in tech - a fast-growing sector and a key part of STEM. Through GoIT, Year 6 pupils are challenged to use technology to tackle real-world problems in their communities.

The West Yorkshire final on 27 January saw Co-op Academy Princeville take the top prize with their clever Heat Spotter app. Runners up Smithies Moor and Oakwood impressed with The Full Plate Project and Team Reforestation, showing just how creative young minds can be.

Meanwhile, in the Manchester and Staffordshire/Merseyside final, on 28 January, Clarice Cliff wowed the judges with their ReWear app, tackling fast fashion in a smart, sustainable way. Friarswood came in as runners up with Clean Canals, a project close to their hearts. As pupils explained:

We have enjoyed taking part in this project and we’re really happy that we’ve got this far. It was very challenging but we’ve worked together to succeed and create this idea about keeping the environment clean. We chose the clean canals idea because locally there are a lot of canals and they’re not very clean

Jack, Michael, Ronnie and Alec, Co-op Academy Friarswood

All the pitches were filled with creativity and purpose - from apps that help design animal-friendly gardens, to AI bins for smarter recycling, to tools that check air quality, and even apps that can detect poisonous berries.

The pupils presented their ideas to a panel of judges from HH Global, TCS, and Co-op, including Kiera Noonan, CSR Executive, who kicked off the events. The judges offered constructive feedback and practical tips - helping pupils take their ideas further.

GoIT isn’t just about tech. It’s about giving young people the tools, confidence, and inspiration to think differently, work together, and make a positive difference.

As Jo Sykes, Director of CEIAG at Co-op Academies Trust, reflected:

“It’s incredible to see our pupils exploring technology in ways that are meaningful, creative, and purposeful. Their ideas show what’s possible when young minds are empowered to solve real-world problems.”

Congratulations to all the pupils who took part! We can’t wait to see what you come up with next!