In September 2023, the University of Leeds’ School of Mechanical Engineering launched a Centre of Excellence to support schools in deprived areas of Yorkshire and Humber.
F1 in Schools
The Centre provides specialised equipment, enabling more secondary school students to participate in the F1 in Schools competition (now known as ‘STEM Racing’) – a national STEM initiative that challenges students aged 9-19 to design, build, and race miniature F1 cars.
Using computer-aided design (CAD) software and computer numerical control (CNC) machines, students create cars powered by CO2 cartridges and race them on a 20-meter track, developing valuable skills in a fun, competitive environment.
Unfortunately, many underrepresented students in socially deprived areas of Yorkshire and Humber were missing out on this valuable opportunity because schools lacked the specialised equipment needed to manufacture the teams’ cars and participate in the competition.
How the Centre breaks down barriers
The Centre created a network of local teachers and appointed an academic (Josh Owen), a technician, several undergraduate ambassadors, and postgraduate engineers to the project. They organised online twilight events for teachers, offered manufacturing support, and held Race Experience Days and Portfolio ‘top tips’ sessions on campus to better prepare students for the competition.
Throughout the 2023/24 academic year, the Centre reached out to local secondary schools and sixth form providers. By offering events at the University for schools to manufacture and test their cars before regional events, the Centre made it possible for schools without specialised equipment to take part in the competition, with sponsorship available to manufacture the cars.
The impact
The University of Leeds’ support for schools in Yorkshire and Humber significantly boosted their participation in the F1 in Schools competition. During the 2023/24 academic year, the number of teams from the region competing in the regional finals increased from nine to 35.
From student to teacher: Ted and Amelia’s story into STEM
Ted Hodgson and Amelia Dorward’s journey with F1 in Schools began when they were secondary school students. Now, as undergraduates at the University of Leeds in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, they continue to inspire others by actively contributing to the F1 in Schools programme.
Amelia, a second year Theoretical Physics student, and Ted, a third year Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering student, both found their passion for STEM through this competition.
Amelia recalls, “I didn’t initially have an interest in engineering. I enjoyed maths but hadn’t considered engineering as a career. F1 in Schools opened up that world for me. It made me explore possibilities I hadn’t thought about before, like physics, and eventually engineering.”
Ted had a similar experience. “I had an interest in designing, maybe architecture, but participating in F1 in Schools really solidified my interest in engineering. Working in a team, designing, and building something tangible inspired me to pursue this path.”
Their journey began in Year 8 when their design and technology (DT) teacher introduced a smaller competition within the school. “We had to create a scaled-down project within the school. From there, students who showed promise or interest were selected to form teams for the larger competitions,” Ted explains.
Ted fondly remembers the teamwork aspect. “It was fun working in a team of friends. We had to spend a lot of time together, and it felt like we were running a business. I loved designing the car and learning new things. It also helped me push myself academically, especially with skills like public speaking and presenting under pressure.”
Amelia adds, “For me, it was about challenging myself. I developed skills like time management, collaboration, and leadership. The competition also helped me build resilience. There were times we didn’t achieve the results we wanted, but those moments motivated us to improve.”
Their hard work paid off when they won the 2019 national finals and went on to compete in the world finals.
Ted describes the experience: “Nationals are more familiar, almost like a school trip, but the world finals are on another level. Teams from all over the world come together, and the judges are industry professionals, including engineers from McLaren and Mercedes. It’s incredibly inspirational but also nerve-wracking.”
Amelia adds, “Competing at the world finals, especially during COVID, was challenging. We did everything online but still felt part of the global community. Despite the difficulties, it was an unforgettable experience.”
Both Ted and Amelia feel that F1 in Schools influenced their higher education choices.
“I mentioned F1 in Schools in my personal statement and interviews, especially the skills I developed, like teamwork and public speaking. It’s a great talking point and shows real-world application of skills. Being part of the project exceeded my expectations. Beyond learning technical skills, I became more confident and capable in teamwork and leadership. The opportunities, like visiting British Grand Prix events and networking with industry professionals, were incredible,” says Amelia.
Ted agrees, “Yes, F1 in Schools directly influenced my decision to pursue aerospace engineering. Learning about aerodynamics and fluid dynamics during the competition gave me a clear direction. It’s about the journey, not just the destination. Winning was amazing, but the process taught us how to handle setbacks and improve. The connections we made and the skills we developed are invaluable.”
Ted and Amelia now deliver ‘top tips’ sessions to secondary schools in Yorkshire and Humber as part of the Centre of Excellence’s support package. As former World Champions, their insights and experiences are invaluable to students. Recently, Ted and Amelia traveled to the F1 in Schools World Finals, representing the University of Leeds and supporting younger participants.
Amelia reflects on her experience: “Representing the University of Leeds at the F1 in Schools World Finals in Saudi Arabia was an incredible experience. Speaking to talented young engineers from around the world and hearing about their innovative ideas was both inspiring and rewarding.
“It was a privilege to be part of an event that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and engineering excellence on a global stage. Experiencing the culture and hospitality of Saudi Arabia, and meeting teams from over 40 different countries, provided an unforgettable experience.
“This opportunity allowed me to promote STEM subjects to the next generation, highlight the incredible opportunities at our university, and engage with a diverse and talented group of students. I’m proud to have contributed to such a remarkable celebration of talent and cultural exchange.”
Ted shares his perspective: “Serving as an ambassador for the University and the mechanical engineering department at the World Finals was an incredible experience. I met many incredible students from around the world and networked with other volunteer judges from different industries and universities.
“Overall, this experience gave me a better perspective on the importance and benefits of STEM outreach. I most enjoyed being a pit display judge, which was a lot of work, but it was rewarding to see students receive prizes for exceptional performance at the award ceremony, where teams won awards for creativity and quality of work.”
Looking ahead
The next steps for the University of Leeds’ Centre of Excellence focus on expanding their reach and enhancing event delivery.
They plan to invite schools from the North West and North East regions to join the project and attract more female teams. These schools will receive the same support and resources that have benefitted those in Yorkshire and the Humber. The goal is to inspire more students to pursue careers in engineering and empower them to make informed decisions about higher education.
Additionally, the Centre of Excellence will host more testing and manufacturing events to accommodate the growing number of participating schools. Due to space limitations on campus, the Centre will need to carefully plan these events, possibly scheduling multiple sessions or exploring alternative venues, to ensure every school has the opportunity to participate. There is also the potential to host a local competition before the Regional Finals in February each year. Our aim is to continue working closely with teachers to support their students in succeeding in F1 in Schools and to ensure the programme is inclusive and accessible to everyone.
To find out more about how we are supporting students in STEM, please email the Schools Outreach team: stem@leeds.ac.uk.