South West’s First Formula One in Schools Centre of Excellence

Kingswood School has been selected as an F1 in Schools Centre of Excellence - the first of its kind in the South West of England.

The F1 in Schools initiative allows pupils to create their own miniature F1 team, from manufacturing through to testing, branding, and eventually racing of their prototype cars. Informed by engineers, and endorsed by Formula One, the programme provides exciting insight into the world of international racing, bringing STEM subjects to life.

Once the pupils have developed their car they are able to compete in events, racing against other teams and presenting to a team of industry professionals, and sometimes, members of F1 teams. These events begin at regional level, progress to national, and, for the very best, culminate in a competition against other countries in the Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals.

Kingswood is one of nine Centres of Excellence serving England, and one of just two schools, with the others being universities or further education establishments. As a Centre of Excellence Kingswood supports the community in accessing the F1 in Schools competition by offering a range of services. These include; mentor support with help and advice for entering the competition, manufacturing cars on the school’s automated cutting device (CNC router), and welcoming pupils to the regional testing days on their dedicated track.

The programme has grown rapidly at Kingswood in recent years with the school’s teams winning ten separate awards in the two most recent competitions. They have now  established six pupil teams with waiting lists to join.

Oliver East, Design, Technology and Engineering teacher, who introduced the competition to Kingswood said: “STEM competitions are a great way for our pupils to compete academically on a national platform. As a Centre of Excellence we are now able to provide the same opportunities to all students in the South West of England, igniting their STEM interest.”

James Castrique, Head of Design, Technology and Engineering said: “Opening an F1 in Schools Centre of Excellence within our Design, Technology & Engineering department has been a vision of ours for some time now and we’re proud to have been officially selected as one. This will allow us to engage more with the community and support more pupils with this brilliant competition.”

Student Abigail Evans, Aerodynamics Engineer for Kingswood’s Impetus Racing team, said: “F1 in Schools was one of the reasons I joined Kingswood. I've been interested in Formula One and engineering since a very young age and when I saw the school offered such an opportunity, I got excited. I've been making the car wheels for the past few weeks – I've learnt how to use numerous machines which is giving me a lot of experience. I really love it and I can't wait to compete at the regionals!”

Garrod Musto, Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement, said “Kingswood has always had an excellent reputation for STEM education and this wonderful announcement is testimony to the school’s aspirations for the young people who study here, but also exemplifies Kingswood’s commitment to support the wider STEM community here in the South West.”