Designer who aims to be in a class of his own one day

After spending several months in London primary school classrooms, designer Mark Champkins has won a place on Nesta's graduate pioneer programme.

Realising that designers working on educational projects have probably not set foot in a school for decades, Mr Champkins set about finding out what pupils and teachers really need to improve their everyday lives.

His prototype products, which include a satchel that doubles as a padded chair back and a water bottle-cum-pencil case, could win him further backing from Nesta once he has finished the programme.

"It would be wonderful to have the backing to start my own business and begin manufacturing my products," Mr Champkins said.