Published: Thu 9 Jul 2026
UK students make history at the FIRST® LEGO® League International Open with Engineering Excellence Award win
Students from Endon High School in Staffordshire have capped off an extraordinary year by becoming the first UK team to win the International Engineering Excellence Award at a FIRST® LEGO® League International Open, held in Jeonju, South Korea.
The school's engineering and robotics team, End_Tec, began the season by securing victory at the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s FIRST® LEGO® League regional competition and the UK National Final, earning the honour of representing the UK on the international stage.
Travelling to Jeonju National University of Education, the team competed against 45 of the world's leading FIRST® LEGO® League teams, showcasing their engineering research, technological innovation and advanced robotics programming.
Throughout the competition, End_Tec presented their innovation project, robot design and engineering process to an international judging panel before taking part in three official robot game matches, competing for one of the event's prestigious international awards. Against exceptional global competition, End_Tec made history by becoming the first UK team to receive the International Engineering Excellence Award at a FIRST® LEGO® League International Open.
Shaun Mitchell, Associate Assistant Headteacher and Design & Technology Lead at Endon High School, said:
"I don't say this lightly—what End_Tec have achieved this week is something I will carry with me for the rest of my career. Qualifying for an international final is an extraordinary achievement in itself. To stand alongside 44 outstanding teams from 33 nations and return home as the first UK team to win the International Engineering Excellence Award is simply remarkable.
“This has never just been about robotics. It has been about achieving something extraordinary together—not only as teammates, but as genuine friends. I have watched every member of this team grow in confidence through setbacks and breakthroughs, early mornings and late nights, and moments when success felt impossible but they refused to give up.
“Arriving in South Korea wasn't just about competing; it was about connecting. They built friendships with young people from across the globe, representing 33 countries and countless cultures, united by one shared passion for engineering and innovation. The global perspective, lifelong friendships and future opportunities this experience has created will shape these young people long after the trophy has found its place on the shelf."
Hannah Rees, Senior Education Operations Manager at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), said:
"Following End_Tec's journey has been inspiring from start to finish. This remarkable team worked tirelessly to raise the funds needed for their trip, balanced their preparation with their school studies, and dedicated countless hours to developing their engineering, programming and teamwork skills for an international competition.
“End_Tec's achievement demonstrates not only exceptional technical ability but also the collaboration, creativity and resilience that define the next generation of engineering talent.
To see their commitment rewarded with the International Engineering Excellence Award is truly heartwarming. End_Tec have made the UK proud and are outstanding ambassadors for all young people pursuing careers in engineering and technology. It has also been wonderful to see their journey recognised by the BBC, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers.”
The UK's engineering and technology sectors continue to face significant skills shortages, making it more important than ever to inspire young people to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills.
Programmes such as FIRST® LEGO® League help students build confidence, creativity, problem-solving and teamwork skills through real-world engineering challenges. Teams like End_Tec demonstrate what young people can achieve when they are given opportunities to explore their curiosity, develop technical skills and apply their learning in practical ways.
Their success on the international stage is an inspiration to young people across the UK and highlights how the IET’s education programmes can support life-changing opportunities for students interested in engineering and technology careers.
Notes to editors
- Please note that interviews and photos are available upon request.
- FIRST® LEGO® League is a global STEM programme that introduces young people to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on learning and robotics challenges.
- End_Tec represented the UK after winning both the IET’s FIRST® LEGO® League regional competition and the UK National Final.
- The FIRST® LEGO® League International Open took place in Jeonju, South Korea, bringing together teams from around the world to compete in engineering, innovation and robotics challenges.
- The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) delivers FIRST® LEGO® League in the UK and Ireland to inspire and develop the next generation of engineers and technologists.
Media enquiries to:
Sarah Jenkins
External Communications & PR Lead
E: SarahJenkins@theiet.org