E.ON launches nationwide Trailblazing Heroes competition for 11–14s

E.ON is issuing a rallying cry to the climate leaders of tomorrow through our Trailblazing Heroes competition.

We’re using it to invite young people aged 11–14 across the UK to step up and celebrate sustainability role models – from household names including Greta Thunberg to unsung local heroes creating change in their own backyards.

The competition is part of the wider New Energy Academy, E.ON’s flagship sustainability education programme designed to ignite climate curiosity and confidence among students.

At the heart of the Trailblazing Heroes competition is a simple, powerful question: who inspires you to build a greener world?

Students are asked to select a sustainability trailblazer – someone driving meaningful environmental change – and tell their story.

The competition then encourages students to explore their trailblazer’s impact, key skills such as innovation and resilience, and how they themselves are inspired to act.

Submissions can be creative and flexible – handwritten, typed, illustrated, or digitally designed – and entry forms can be downloaded from the New Energy Academy website.

Examples of trailblazers include William Kamkwamba, who built a windmill from scrap in Malawi at just 14 years old, or Tony, an E.ON engineer using innovative ectogrid technology in East London to cut local emissions by 88%.

Big ideas, bigger prizes

Entries will be judged on originality, depth of insight, and clarity of communication.

Prizes aim to motivate and reward not only individual brilliance but entire school communities.

One grand prize winner will receive a visit to their school from a footballing legend, skills workshop and water bottles.

Four runners-up will win immersive, skills-based sustainability workshops for their entire year group and receive water bottles.

And 10 highly commended entries will receive class sets of reusable water bottles.

A curriculum-aligned way forward

Designed to fit seamlessly into form time, assemblies or geography and science lessons, the competition is supported by a full suite of free teaching materials.

These include a ready-to-use lesson plan, entry forms, and a campaign poster.

The programme supports national curriculum goals and encourages young people to become informed global citizens equipped to respond to the climate crisis.

Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK, said about the competition: “Climate action starts with awareness, and that begins in classrooms, communities, and conversations like these.

“This competition is about helping young people realise they’re not just the leaders of tomorrow—they’re the changemakers of today.”

He added about the wider initiative behind the competition: “Our New Energy Academy aims to empower students with the skills and inspiration needed to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future in a fun and engaging way.

“With a host of free educational resources available to students, teachers and parents, we’re supporting young people with the opportunity to learn about and develop the green skills essential for a more sustainable future.

“Our New Energy Academy is about more than education – it’s about empowerment. We want young people to feel confident in their ability to lead the way to a new energy world, equipped with the skills and passion to make a real difference.”

Entry details

Teachers or home educators must submit completed entries by 11.59pm on 23^rd May, 2025.

Submissions can be sent by email in the format of printed forms, A4 paper entries, Word documents or PowerPoint slides.

Terms and conditions, judging criteria, and submission guidance are available at www.eonenergy.com/new-energy-academy/competition-resources

In an age where the world needs bold new ideas and fearless leadership, E.ON is putting its trust in the next generation – and betting that climate heroes might be closer than we think.