Design and Technology: STEM Racing Challenge 2026

Year 9 Design Technology students recently represented the school at the regional final of the STEM Racing Challenge, held at Harper Adams University in Newport, Shropshire. Competing against 21 schools from across the region, the team — Damian, Ben, Gabriel, Aydan and Zi — secured an impressive 6th place overall in the Development Class. This represents a significant accomplishment given the exceptionally high calibre of entrants, including several highly prestigious schools from across the country. 

STEM Racing (formerly known as F1 in Schools) is a nationally recognised engineering competition in which students design, manufacture and test a miniature Formula 1 car. Participants assume defined professional roles within their team — such as engineering, design and marketing — developing specialist expertise while collaborating to deliver a fully realised project. 

A key element of the competition is the 20-metre race event. We are particularly proud that our team engineered the second fastest car of the day, across both Development and Professional classes. All vehicles are required to meet stringent technical regulations comparable to those in Formula One. In addition to on-track performance, teams are rigorously assessed by industry scrutineers on their car design, engineering portfolio, pit display and marketing strategy. 

This year, the team was supported by local graphic design company 6pence Design. We are sincerely grateful for their generous support, particularly in assisting with the development of our professional pit display and team apparel, which contributed significantly to the overall presentation of the project. 

As Head of Design Technology, I am immensely proud of Team Coegi for their professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout this demanding process.  I look forward with great optimism to the continued development of STEM Racing within the department. 

Mr Barratt, Head of Design Technology