Grapevine: F1 in Schools gets government support

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has agreed to support the finals on September 15-17, where the best schools from 30 countries will battle it out to win the top prize in the engineering competition.

Andrew Denford, founder and chairman of F1 in Schools, believes the government backing is a big coup for the event.

"Having the support of the UK government for F1 in Schools is fundamental to our programme," he said. "As an international challenge we are involved with governments and education departments from many countries, so we are proud to have recognition for our work within the UK at this level.

"We will be hosting many high-level officials from around the world at our world championships, so the support of the DCSF is very appropriate to the event.

"In F1 in Schools, we have captured the imagination of students by linking with the high-profile sport of Formula 1, and with the support of the industry we have been able to use it to stimulate students and encourage them to develop their learning skills, expand their interpersonal communication and enjoy the challenge of education."

Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, added: "It has never been more important to the UK economy to encourage pupils to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths, and exciting initiatives like F1 in Schools help to do just that.

"I am delighted that London will host the world championships later this year and we look forward to welcoming teams from around the world to our capital.

"The international dimension of this initiative is unique and with its multi-cultural learning opportunities it offers students the chance to expand their life skills, to develop a better understanding of the world beyond our shores and to appreciate the importance of education for a successful future."