Reading student wins NHS national careers competition
A talented pupil from the Kings Academy Prospect in Reading has been named as the national winner of the Step into the NHS careers competition in secondary schools.
Zamaan directed and starred in a funny and informative video showcasing a career in NHS biomedical science. His video took viewers on a journey by comparing the role to a detective trying to solve a mystery.
Zamaan said: “I was so happy when I found out I had won. I really enjoyed making my video and learning about the different jobs in the NHS especially biomedical science. It’s a job I might like to do in the future. I want to say thank you to my teachers and my family for helping me.”
Maddy McEvilly, science teacher at the King's Academy Prospect , said: “We are so proud of Zamaan and all our students who put so much time and effort into taking part in the competition. Zamaan is a great student and his sense of humour really shone in his entry. The Step into the NHS competition really opened our pupils’ eyes to the wide range of career opportunities in the NHS. We are already looking forward to getting involved again next year.”
Sunita Balaji, Senior Biomedical Scientist at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said: “Zamaan should be so proud of this well-deserved prize, and we’re delighted to hear that they are interested in biomedical science as a future career choice. The NHS has so many different roles to suit all different skills and interests. Fun opportunities like this, to get involved and find out more at an early age are so valuable.”
More than 2,200 entries from over 3,300 pupils from all parts of England were submitted to the competition.
Adanna Williams, South East Director of Workforce Strategy and Transformation at NHS England, said: “Congratulations to Zamaan for their winning entry to the Step into the NHS competition. He demonstrated real creativity and understanding of the NHS and his chosen role of a Biomedical Scientist.
“The NHS 10 Year Health Plan for England highlights the importance of widening access to NHS careers for students and breaking down stereotypes. Step into the NHS supports this by raising students’ career aspirations. They learn vital job seeking skills and that every career is open to them, no matter their background.”
The competition for secondary students asked them to explore the range of NHS careers and create a job advertisement for one which interested them. This gave students an opportunity to learn core transferable skills like creativity, teamwork and research whilst increasing awareness of NHS career opportunities.The national winner received a prize of £50 Amazon voucher, goody bag and a framed national winner certificate. His entry will also be displayed in her local community for all to see via a digital advertising van.
You can view the winning entries here: https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/secondary-schools/online-gallery
The Step into the NHS competition will be open for entries again in Autumn 2026. For more details on how to take part visit: https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/primary-schools / https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/secondary-schools