Step into the NHS

The Step into the NHS primary and secondary schools’ competition aims to open students’ eyes to over 350 careers in the NHS and raise their careers aspirations through independent or team research, insights from an NHS Ambassador and creativity.

Great prizes await! Winning entries will be displayed publicly, plus there are Amazon vouchers, goody bags and certificates to be won.

The NHS is the UK’s biggest employer with 1.5 million staff employed in England in more than 350 different roles. With so many careers and job roles available within the NHS, from dentists to plumbers, midwives to pharmacists and hospitality team members to project management teams, the resources and competition are vital in opening young people’s eyes to a future career in healthcare.

Primary school competition

The primary school competition asks pupils in Key Stage 2 (aged 7 to 11) to choose up to three different job roles in the NHS that stand out. They can use their creativity to tell us what they’ve learnt about them.

Secondary school competition

The secondary school competition asks Key Stage 3 students (aged 11 to 14) to create a job advertisement showcasing one NHS role of their choice.

All the details are on the Step into the NHS website.  The closing date is Thursday 30 April 2026.

Get started

Getting started is simple, download the 'one lesson launch' pack - everything you need to get pupils started in just one hour, including videos, worksheets and engaging activities.

If your school or other group is in Medway and Swale would welcome help to find an NHS Ambassador to talk about their career journey, email Munya.Badze@nhs.net.

Get involved. Good luck.