Ashton Students Win Computer Science Hackathon!

Computer Science students from Ashton Sixth Form College recently took part in an exciting 12-hour hackathon hosted by Hulme Grammar School and its specialist innovation hub, the Brenda Mills Institute of Innovation and Technology (BMIIT).

The event brought together 100 students, challenging them to create “AI-native” solutions to real educational and community issues. Throughout the day, teams designed and built working prototypes using tools such as Google AI Studio and Lovable.dev, turning their ideas into something real in just 12 hours. They were supported along the way by a panel of academic and industry mentors who offered guidance, feedback and encouragement.

Representing Ashton was Lily Brown, Oscar Young, Owen Sidebottom and Edward Thomas, who developed ‘Exam Nest’, a revision hub that brings study materials together in one place and uses gamification to help students spot and improve on their strengths and weaknesses.

The team impressed the judges with both their idea and their pitch, with Lily Brown also winning the Best Speaker prize.

A fantastic achievement and a brilliant example of our students putting their skills into action.