Hulme Grammar School ignites future tech talent with junior hackathon backed by lovable and purple

A leading independent school in Oldham is set to become a hub of innovation next week as it hosts an exciting Junior Hackathon for students aged eight to 18.

This dynamic 12-hour event at Hulme Grammar School will immerse 100 pupils from local primary and senior schools in a collaborative problem-solving challenge. 

This grassroots initiative is critical, given that the UK's digital skills gap is estimated to cost the economy £27.6 billion by 2030. 

Designed to spark creativity and inspire young talent, the Hackathon challenges student teams to develop creative, tech-driven solutions to common issues faced by schools in the local area.  

These challenges focus on strategic priorities like SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability), literacy, attendance, and school efficiencies. 

Throughout the day, participants will get hands-on experience, starting with a one-hour opening workshop followed by 10 hours of project work.  

The day culminates in final presentations and demos to a panel of industry judges, showcasing the young innovators' problem-solving skills, creativity, and teamwork with some exceptional prizes for winning teams. 

The Junior Hackathon is proudly supported by a roster of leading technology and local business partners. 

The event is headlined by Lovable and Purple. Lovable is a global, Swedish-founded AI "unicorn" that is revolutionising how software is built. Used by major global enterprises like Visa, HubSpot, and HCA Healthcare, Lovable's AI tool instantly builds a complete, working app or website simply from a plain English description, turning anyone's idea into real, professional-grade software. 

Purple is a leading, UK-based technology company with a massive global reach, making public spaces "smart" and collecting data from over 86,000 venues worldwide. Trusted by major brands like Harrods, Avanti West Coast, and Walmart Canada, Purple uses smart location technology to enhance visitor experiences and optimise operations in real-world places. 

Tech Partner: Nominet is supporting the event as a Tech Partner Sponsor. Innovation Sponsor: Koder.ly is contributing as an Innovation Partner Sponsor. 

Special Sponsorship Support: Additional vital support is being provided by AMEX GBT and Bury Arcade. 

Pupils taking part will have expert guidance and mentorship from Junior Fellows of BMIIT as well as industry experts from CTI Digital, ADA College and other sponsoring companies. This mentorship will provide students with real-world insights into tech and coding, linking their work directly to career pathways. 

Mark Jones, Director of the Brenda Mills Institute of Innovation & Technology (BMIIT) at Hulme Grammar School, explained: "We are thrilled to host this pioneering hackathon, which directly addresses the government’s call for a digital skills revolution.  

“By challenging students to use cutting-edge AI technology, like that provided by Lovable, to solve real-world issues, we are delivering the practical STEM engagement that the Chancellor is backing with significant investment.  

“This event is not just inspiring; it is future-proofing the next generation of coders, engineers, and digital leaders right here in Oldham, and securing the pipeline of talent the UK’s economy urgently needs." 

Sophia Nabil Gustafsson, Community & Growth at Lovable, said: "Lovable is proud to be a headline sponsor for the Junior Hackathon.  

“We believe in empowering the next generation of coders and innovators. This event perfectly aligns with our mission to support creativity and provide young people with the hands-on experience they need to build the future." 

Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of Purple, added: "By partnering with Hulme Grammar School, we're supporting the next generation of tech talent here in Oldham and Greater Manchester". Sponsoring this hackathon provides a platform for students to explore the potential of AI and develop crucial skills. We are excited to mentor the participants and witness their innovative ideas come to life." 

The event highlights Hulme Grammar School's commitment to providing leading-edge educational opportunities and fostering strong links with the technology sector through the Brenda Mills Institute of Innovation and Technology (BMIIT). 

The Hackathon specifically aims to encourage diversity in tech by promoting participation in STEAM, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to experience tech innovation first-hand. 

It takes place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 9am-9pm at Hulme Grammar School, Oldham, in King's Hall and Library. 

Contact: Email: outreach@hulmegrammar.org Phone: 0161 630 6181