North Leamington School’s F1 team is world class

The Whittle Wonders, named after former Leamington pupil Sir Frank Whittle, were crowned F1 in Schools UK National Champions 2014 at the Big Bang Science and Engineering Fair in Birmingham in March, which earned them a place in the competition’s world final in the United Arab Emirates last month.

At the three-day event, which took place at the same time as the country’s Grand Prix, the four-strong team made up Harry Birch, Tom Govern, Tom Bradford and Ryan McLaren were challenged to recreate and improve upon their success at the UK final by designing, building and racing a miniature F1 car and producing reports and presentations of their work.

The boys eventually came 13th out of the 38 finalists and 20,000 participants worldwide, an achievement which has made their teacher Robert Hodge very proud.

He said: “The F1 in Schools World Finals were the most amazing experience for the team.

“To have taken part in something like this when they are only 16 was an amazing opportunity and something they will remember for all their lives.

“Without sponsors, however, none of this would have been possible and they remain indebted to everyone who has supported them.”

The team were nominated for the event’s Research and Development Award and the Pressure Challenge Award for their racing helmet design.

But it wasn’t all work for the youngsters and as a reward for their efforts and success they were treated to trips to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island Water World - one of the world’s largest water parks - before the gala dinner and awards ceremony.