It has been a decade since the 1851 Trust was launched in Portsmouth by Sir Ben Ainslie and the British America’s Cup team, over the last ten years the 1851 Trust has engaged over 1.5 million young people globally in its mission to create the next generation of innovators through sport inspired learning. The 1851 Trust’s digital education programs and roadshows foster knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and climate education illustrating connections between sport, STEM and our everyday lives. Opening pathways for young people to excel in STEM and Green skill careers.
Eight years ago, in partnership with Low Carbon, a global renewable energy company, the 1851 Trust facilitated the installation of solar panels at King’s Academy Northern Parade in Portsmouth. This forward-thinking project, completed in 2016, now provides 45% of the school’s energy needs, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and reduce the running costs of the school buildings, to allow budgets to be allocated to other key projects within the school.
On Friday 17th January, 1851 Trust Patron Sir Ben Ainslie and Low Carbon Chief Executive and 1851 Trustee Roy Bedlow visited Portsmouth’s King’s Academy Northern Parade, home to over 600 pupils, to see the impact of the Trust’s work over the last eight years.
It’s great to return to Portsmouth, the Trust has a special history and connection here, It was fantastic to witness first-hand the long-term legacy of the 1851 Trust’s impact at King’s Academy, this project mitigates the negative effects of climate change while helping to educate school pupils as to benefits of renewable energy technology. Our aim with the 1851 Trust it to inspire young people to tackle the challenges of the future, particularly in achieving net-zero goals, through STEM and Green Skills. We have seen the power of sport to inspire the next generation of innovators, and how building sustainability at the heart of the school’s aims can have a profound impact on the students and wider community
Sir Ben Ainslie
The solar installation alongside the launch of a STEM resource developed with the British America’s Cup team to educate students around renewable energy was the catalyst to a wider program of sustainability initiatives undertaken by the school including eliminating single use plastics, waste and carbon reduction programs, recycling stations, the creation of a Nature Nook providing a space for outdoor learning as well as a gardening club to promote biodiversity. The school continues to embed sustainability into the curriculum support by the 1851 Trust’s STEM resources developed by the Trust and Low Carbon to provide young people with the knowledge and skills to take climate action and drive behaviour change within their own community.
We are incredibly proud of the steps King’s Academy Northern Parade is taking towards sustainability. The installation of the solar panels, kindly donated by Low Carbon back in 2016, has significantly reduced our energy costs, allowing us to reinvest savings into educational resources. Additionally, it has provided valuable learning opportunities for children, raising awareness about sustainability and the importance of renewable energy in our daily lives. Additionally, the insulation has supported us to create a culture of environmental responsibility within the school community. We are excited to continue engaging our children in climate-conscious initiatives where sustainability is embedded into our curriculum, ensuring children learn the importance of environmental stewardship.
Kathryn Wilden, Headteacher – King’s Academy Northern Parade
The 1851 Trust’s programs not only address the urgent need for green skills but also aim to tackle a growing STEM workforce shortfall. In 2021, the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) estimated a shortage of over 173,000 workers in the STEM sector. Similarly, the 2023 Global Green Skills Report revealed that worldwide, only 1 in 8 workers possesses at least one green skill. Therefore, we are far from the skills penetration that we need. The Trust’s resources and partnerships, including those with the Emirates GBR SailGP team and Low Carbon, serve to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM and sustainability, opening pathways for future engineers, innovators, and environmental leaders.
We believe in the power of collaboration between sport, education and industry. Through our partnership with the Emirates GBR SailGP team and the 1851 Trust, we’ve created free-to-use teaching resources on Renewable Energy, Climate Action, Recycling, Life Cycles, Biodiversity and DE&I. These resources are inspired by sport and aim to inspire young people to choose a STEM and Green Skill career pathway.
Roy Bedlow, Low Carbon Chief Executive and 1851 Trustee
After the assembly at King’s Academy Northern Parade Sir Ben Ainslie and Roy Bedlow led a keynote speech at the prestigious Shaping Portsmouth Conference to champion innovation, sustainability, and STEM education for young people. The 1851 Trust remains proudly rooted in its home city of Portsmouth, a hub for maritime innovation and education. The Trust’s work with local schools like King’s Academy Northern Parade highlights its dedication to creating meaningful, lasting impacts on communities and young people across the UK.
A library of free digital STEM and climate education resources is available through stemcrew.org
