Over 70 Jersey Students Gear Up for Island’s First STEM Racing UK Competition

More than 70 students from schools across Jersey will go head-to-head next month in a major STEM education competition backed by Formula 1.

The event — the island’s first under the newly rebranded STEM Racing UK banner, formerly known as F1 in Schools — will take place at Jersey College for Girls on Wednesday 10 December.

Teams of three to six students will compete for a place on the podium and the chance to progress to the STEM Racing UK National Finals 2026, scheduled for March in Sheffield.

Supported by Formula 1, the challenge tasks students with designing, building and racing miniature F1-style cars, while also developing skills in engineering, project management, marketing and sponsorship.

Competitors will race in three classes aligned with national curriculum Key Stages:

• Professional Class (KS4/5)

• Development Class (KS3/4)

• Entry Class (KS2)

The Jersey event is run by Digital Jersey in partnership with STEM Racing UK. As the island’s authorised coordinator, Digital Jersey provides free access to manufacturing and race equipment at its St Helier hub, as well as mentoring for teachers and students.

“Going from strength to strength”

Tom Milner, Project Director at STEM Racing UK, said the programme in Jersey is “going from strength to strength”.

“Digital Jersey is a fantastic partner for STEM Racing UK and has done a brilliant job in teaching pupils about the principles of engineering,” he said.

Digital Jersey CEO Tony Moretta said even more schools are taking part this year, with primary schools joining the competition for the first time.

“The initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop vital STEM and business skills in a fun, engaging, and creative environment,” he said. “With the chance to represent the Island on a national and even global stage at stake, I’m sure the event will be incredibly exciting.”

The STEM Racing initiative is widely regarded as a pathway into professional motorsport careers. At the 2025 Aramco STEM Racing World Finals in Singapore, three UK students were awarded placements at the Komatsu-Williams Engineering Academy, run with Atlassian Williams Racing.

Digital Jersey has also confirmed the launch of STEM Racing Primary, which will give pupils aged 9 to 11 the chance to compete at a regional event next year.

The 2025 Jersey programme is sponsored by local technology firm C5 Alliance.