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Local pupils take pole position to be named International Formula 1 STEM champions
Thursday 16 April 2026
A team of Year Six pupils from Ysgol Cynwyd Sant in Maesteg have been named the UK STEM Primary National Champions for 2026 after triumphing in the finals against 70 other schools as well as international teams from Hong Kong, Germany and Singapore.
Held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, the 2026 STEM Racing UK National Final was organised as part of the International Formula 1 STEM competition, which encourages children to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by designing and building a model Formula 1 racing car.
Under their team name of Phoenix Fires, the six pupils also took home awards for Best Engineered Car as well as for their Design and Engineering Portfolio.
“We are so proud of Anya, Celyn, Imogen, Magi, Loki and Joseff for their incredible achievement at the STEM Racing UK National Finals. “With support from their teacher, Sian Thomas, and Chris Harris from STEM Cymru, they have demonstrated true creativity and determination, and have achieved outstanding success.”
“I want to congratulate Phoenix Fires for their dedication, focus and hard work. “The Formula One STEM engineering project is helping to develop the engineers of tomorrow by encouraging learners to apply a range of cross-curriculum skills. It remains a prestigious competition, and both the pupils and the school should feel very proud of what they have achieved.”