Students from Bardwell School in Bicester have celebrated a major achievement after building their own go-kart and racing it at the STEM On Track National Finals.
At a glance
| School | Bardwell School, Bicester |
| Project | Team Bardwell go-kart build through The Engineering Trust and STEM On Track |
| What students did | Built a race-ready go-kart from a bare chassis, learning engineering, teamwork and problem-solving skills |
| Finals | STEM On Track National Finals at Whilton Mill Karting Circuit on Saturday 20 June 2026 |
| Result | Team Bardwell won its race group, with official results listing Bardwell School as Race 1 winner |
| More information | Team Bardwell website |
Bardwell School students have rounded off months of work on a hands-on engineering project by taking their self-built go-kart to the track and winning their race group at a national schools competition.
The Bicester special school took part in a go-kart build project delivered with The Engineering Trust and linked to the national STEM On Track programme, which uses motorsport to bring science, technology, engineering and maths to life.
Students worked through weekly sessions to assemble the kart from a bare chassis into a race-ready machine, fitting components including axles, steering, brakes, pedals, bodywork and engine parts.
The project ended with track sessions at Whilton Mill Karting Circuit, where the students saw the kart they had helped build complete laps in a real racing environment before returning for the STEM On Track National Finals.
From classroom project to race-ready kart
The project gave Bardwell students the chance to work with real tools and components while learning how different parts of the kart affect safety, control and performance.
Each session asked students to solve practical problems, communicate ideas and work together towards a shared goal.
For many of those involved, the most powerful part of the project was seeing classroom learning become something physical and working: a kart they had helped build, check and prepare for the track.
The Engineering Trust’s STEM in School programme says its school sessions are designed to support curriculum-linked STEM engagement, develop problem-solving and teamwork skills, raise awareness of STEM careers and connect classroom learning with real employers and career pathways.
Test day at Whilton Mill
Team Bardwell’s first major track moment came during a test day at Whilton Mill Karting Circuit.
After final checks and scrutineering, students explored the STEM Fair and interacted with engineering displays and activities before the completed kart was taken onto the circuit for its first runs.
Students watched from the sidelines as the kart completed laps around the track, celebrating the result of months of practical work.
The experience offered a memorable real-world demonstration of the engineering concepts they had been learning, while also giving the team a chance to build confidence ahead of the finals.
Team Bardwell wins its race group
Following the test day, Team Bardwell returned to Whilton Mill for the STEM On Track National Finals on Saturday 20 June.
The finals brought together schools from across the country for a day of racing, engineering activity and careers engagement.
STEM On Track’s official finals information said more than 100 school teams were expected, with karts built from scratch by students before competing at the event.
Driver Joshua represented Bardwell in the Enduro race against eight other schools and helped guide the team to victory in its race group.
Official event results list Bardwell School as the winner of Race 1 at the 2026 National Finals.
The school said Joshua also recorded the fastest lap of the race. Although Team Bardwell narrowly missed out on the overall title, which was decided using several judging criteria beyond the racing result, the team’s performance marked a significant achievement.
What students gained from the project
Staff said the project had helped students develop far more than practical engineering skills.
Hayley, from Bardwell School, said: “We’re so incredibly proud of our students.
“They’ve absolutely loved this project and have grown so much in confidence throughout the programme.
“They’ve developed resilience, teamwork and problem-solving skills, and it’s been an absolutely incredible experience to watch.”
Student Olivia said: “I really enjoyed learning how to use the tools and helping to build the go-kart.
“It was exciting seeing everything come together and then watching it out on the track.”
Olivia’s dad added: “When I first heard about the project, I was really excited.
“Seeing all the hard work the whole team have put in has been incredibly impressive.
“Olivia seemed so confident using the tools and getting involved. I’d just like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make it happen.”
Why STEM On Track matters
STEM On Track is a national challenge for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students, asking teams to build a real racing kart, learn the STEM theory behind it and compete against other schools.
The programme says it is designed to show where maths and science appear in the real world, create routes into STEM and motorsport careers, and build teamwork, resilience and confidence.
It also places emphasis on inclusion, saying it works with a range of schools including SEN settings, alternative provision, state schools and academy trusts.
BWT Alpine Formula One Team is a national partner of the programme. Alpine said when the partnership was announced that STEM On Track helps promote STEM subjects at grassroots level and invest in future minds for motorsport.
About Bardwell School
Bardwell School is a special school in Bicester, based on Hendon Place, Sunderland Drive.
Oxfordshire County Council lists the school as an academy special converter for pupils aged two to 19.
The school says its mission is to empower students to go further in learning and life by recognising their strengths, building confidence, raising aspirations and equipping them to succeed.
Bardwell is part of The Gallery Trust, a community of special schools working to improve outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities across Oxfordshire.
More information about the project is available at teambardwell.org.
Project timeline
| Build phase | Students worked through weekly sessions, assembling the kart and learning how the main components fitted together. |
| Test day | The kart was taken to Whilton Mill Karting Circuit for checks, scrutineering and first laps on track. |
| STEM Fair | Students explored engineering displays and activities linked to motorsport and STEM careers. |
| National Finals | Team Bardwell competed at the STEM On Track National Finals on Saturday 20 June 2026. |
| Race result | Bardwell School won Race 1, with Team Bardwell celebrating victory in its group. |
FAQs
What did Bardwell School students build?
Students built a race-ready go-kart from a bare chassis, fitting components including axles, steering, brakes, pedals, bodywork and engine parts.
Where did the students race the kart?
The kart was taken to Whilton Mill Karting Circuit for a test day and later for the STEM On Track National Finals.
How did Team Bardwell do at the finals?
Official results list Bardwell School as the winner of Race 1 at the STEM On Track National Finals. The school said Team Bardwell won its race group and narrowly missed out on the overall title.
What is STEM On Track?
STEM On Track is a national schools challenge where students build a real racing kart, learn the STEM theory behind it and race against other school teams.
Who supported the Bardwell project?
The project was delivered with support from The Engineering Trust and formed part of Team Bardwell’s wider STEM activity.
Where is Bardwell School?
Bardwell School is in Bicester, at Hendon Place, Sunderland Drive, OX26 4RZ.
Where can people find out more?
More information is available through Team Bardwell and Bardwell School.
