Author: Megan Cliff

Knowsley school wins UK-first OutSeed Learning Pod, thanks to Emirates GBR SailGP Team, the 1851 Trust and Low Carbon

Posted on by Megan Cliff

St Albert’s Catholic Primary School in Knowsley has won the UK’s first OutSeed Learning Pod, a brand-new outdoor education space created through a partnership between sustainability venture OutSeed, STEM and climate education charity the 1851 Trust and Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, with sponsorship from Low Carbon.

The Pod gives St Albert’s pupils something most classrooms can’t: a purpose-built, year-round outdoor learning space where they’ll run real environmental science, not just read about it. A living wall, biodiversity sensors and a live data dashboard will let children track pollinators, air quality and weather in their own school grounds — turning every pupil into a scientist or environmentalist, whatever their starting point.

St Albert’s was chosen from a strong field of applicants for the ambition, resilience and heart behind its application. Serving one of the most deprived local authority areas in England, with over 65% of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding and more than 40% on the SEND register, the school has built its reputation on refusing to let circumstance limit potential.

“We were overwhelmed by the number of entries for this competition from schools across the UK, there is very clear need for projects like the Outseed Pod to provide young people with an inspiring approach to learning beyond the textbooks. We want the OutSeed Pod to be more than a learning space, we hope it will provide hope, aspiration and opportunity. Allowing the most vulnerable children to see themselves as scientists, environmentalists and changemakers.”

Roy Bedlow, Founder and Chief Executive of Low Carbon

In its recent Ofsted inspection, St Alberts received Strong Standard ratings for both Inclusion and Personal Development proof of a school that turns challenge into drive.

Every corner of St Albert’s is already working hard for its pupils. The school has made the very best use of every available nook and cranny to create learning spaces that meet the needs of their children. What the school didn’t have was room to grow its outdoor learning further. As an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school already running Forest School sessions, St Albert’s has seen first-hand how some of its most vulnerable learners do their best thinking outside four walls. The OutSeed Pod gives that passion a permanent home.

A spokesperson for St Albert’s Catholic Primary School said:

“We are absolutely delighted and incredibly grateful to have been selected to receive the Outseed Learning Pod. At St Albert’s, we believe the very best learning inspires curiosity, creativity and a sense of responsibility for the world around us. This exciting new space will give our children meaningful opportunities to learn outdoors, develop a deeper understanding of sustainability, and connect with nature in a way that will have a lasting impact. We are proud to be partnering with OutSeed, the 1851 Trust, Emirates GBR SailGP Team and Low Carbon, and are sincerely grateful for their investment in our children, our school and our community.”

The OutSeed Pod will be powered by the same solar panels that Emirates GBR used to take their team base off-grid at SailGP events around the world. In 2023, the team worked with Low Carbon to create a first-of-its-kind portable renewable energy installation that consisted of 28 solar panels and two micro wind turbines that created enough energy to power Emirates GBR’s base at events, and also help power other teams. With a new team base set-up at SailGP events, Emirates GBR now have surplus solar panels and has collaborated with OutSeed, the 1851 Trust and Low Carbon to ensure they have a second-life and are able to support with the provision of STEM and climate education.

“When we built the solar and wind installation with Low Carbon back in 2023, the goal was simple: race sustainably, without compromise. What’s brilliant about the OutSeed Pod at St Albert’s is that those same panels get to keep working long after our season ends. We know the future won’t be shaped by technology alone, it will be shaped by the young people who believe they are capable of creating it.  This project will broaden horizons and put opportunity directly into the hands of young people who might never otherwise see themselves in science or climate careers. St Albert’s has shown incredible ambition and heart, and I can’t wait to see what their pupils discover once they’ve got a permanent outdoor lab of their own.”

Sir Ben Ainslie, Founder 1851 Trust and CEO Emirates GBR SailGP Team.

Market research conducted by OutSeed confirmed a clear demand for outdoor learning spaces with all schools citing a need for this and increasing government pressure to deliver despite funding constraints. This aligns with wider evidence, conducted by Outdoor Play and Learning, on the benefits of outdoor play, supporting children’s physical, social and cognitive development.

For St Albert’s, the OutSeed Pod means hope made tangible. Children who might never have imagined a future in science will collect real data, monitor real biodiversity and contribute to a national environmental monitoring network — proving that where a child starts should never decide how far they can go.

New Resource Launch! Code for the Cup is back. Refreshed, refined and ready for another run.

Posted on by Megan Cliff

Our FREE three-lesson computing resource for KS3 and KS4 gives students a challenge with real race pressure and real problem-solving built in.

In the America’s Cup, races can be won or lost before they’ve properly started. Teams spend thousands of hours testing, improving and fine-tuning performance to hit the start line at exactly the right moment. Too early? Penalty. Too late? You’re chasing.

Students take on that same challenge by coding a foiling yacht to cross the line at exactly the right time.

But this isn’t just about getting from A to B. Along the way students build core computing skills through testing ideas, debugging mistakes and improving performance as they go. Because coding – like sport – rarely works perfectly first time. And those are lessons that travel well beyond the classroom.

Across three lessons, they’ll explore:

  • Lesson 1 — Sequence
    Build step-by-step instructions and discover why timing matters.
  • Lesson 2 — Coding efficiency
    Test, refine and improve code for better performance.
  • Lesson 3 — Loops and debugging
    Try, test, adapt and go again.

Every lesson is editable and includes pupil worksheets, teacher notes and a shareable game link for Google Classroom.

Discover Code for the Cup here

Fresh from the London Marathon, Sir Ben Ainslie Launches UK-Wide STEM Programme for Secondary Schools supported by Cobham-Ultra

Posted on by Megan Cliff

Following his London Marathon run on Sunday for his charity the 1851 Trust, Sir Ben Ainslie joined 120 students from inner-city London state schools for the London launch of STEM Crew Live 2026. The education programme, run by the 1851 Trust, will head to venues around the country, including Blackpool, Birmingham and Cardiff, engaging more than 1,500 young people across the UK this year.

STEM Crew Live London was delivered in partnership with Cobham-Ultra and Trinity House Maritime Charity. Cobham Ultra is two of the world’s leading innovators in aerospace and marine technology, which together employ over 600 engineers in the UK.

Shonnel Malani, Chairman of the Board of Cobham-Ultra, stated: “Our collaboration with Athena Pathway and 1851 Trust for STEM Crew Live has been driven by the aim of using the wonders of sailing to bring STEM education into the classroom. Through our sport-led activities, we hope to spark curiosity and enthusiasm among 11–14-year-olds across our UK wide roadshows, which is inspired by the real-life experiences of the Women’s America’s Cup and Youth America’s Cup.

STEM Crew, the 1851 Trust’s education programme, uses the world of high-performance sport to make STEM subjects tangible, exciting and relevant to young people. On Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th April at Trinity Buoy Wharf in London, students at the STEM Crew Live event took part in practical challenges including designing and testing sails in wind tunnels, coding Sphero robots to navigate an America’s Cup racecourse, analysing advanced materials used in race boats, and speed-networking with engineers, data scientists and designers in rotating career sessions. The tasks were designed to get students learning through action that mirrors the real world.

The London event marks the start of a nationwide programme that will bring the 1851 Trust’s sport-inspired education programme to over 1,500 young people across the UK in 2026, including a Cardiff stop this autumn.

“It’s been an amazing day at STEM Crew Live, 120 students from local state secondary schools getting involved with hands on learning all inspired by the world of sport. Too many young people are losing interest in STEM, not because of ability but because they lack the access and opportunity to realise their potential. That’s why we setup the 1851 Trust. We believe every young person deserves their shot at the starting line, no matter their background.  We want them to leave here today feeling inspired, more confident and excited about the career pathways in STEM. These students are the engineers, designers and scientists of the future. We just need to make sure they can see themselves in those roles.” Sir Ben Ainslie, Patron, 1851 Trust

Joining Ben at Trinity Buoy Wharf was Athena Sports Group’s Development Sailor Kai Hockley, a 20-year-old from north London whose journey from a local reservoir to the world’s most technically advanced sport showcases the possibilities available to young people. Kai is a Development Sailor for Sir Ben’s Emirates GBR SailGP Team, and has recently been selected for Athena Pathway’s Youth Squad ahead of next year’s America’s Cup.

“Kai said: “It was amazing to see how excited the young people were about STEM and how this has opened their eyes to all the amazing careers within the maritime industry. This event has shown that these subjects are fun and there are job opportunities out there too.” 

Speaking after the day’s activities, Mariam, a 14-year-old student from Mulberry School for Girls said: “Today was eye opening, it really changed my perspective of what I want to do. It’s opened new career options for me in STEM and maritime that I never knew about.”
Mariam, Mulberry School For Girls, age 14

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology put the UK’s STEM skills shortage at £1.5 billion a year in 2025. The students hardest hit are those from disadvantaged backgrounds: just 25% achieve a good pass in GCSE maths, and they are 50% less likely to go on to take STEM A-levels. STEM Crew’s programmes see a success rate of over 90% students interested in STEM subjects and careers after attending an event.

Schools attending the London event include Oasis Academy Silvertown, Mulberry Stepney Green, Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy, and Tolworth Girls’ School and Sixth Form — all state schools from across inner-city London.

“Today has been phenomenal, our students don’t usually have the exposure and opportunity to take part in programmes like this, today has provided a real insight into what’s really out there and opened up a whole world of careers that many of them didn’t know even existed”.
Teacher, Tolworth Girls’ school. 

The 1851 Trust’s digital education programme stemcrew.org is trusted by over 43% of UK secondary schools and operates in 31 countries. Its Royal Patron is HRH The Princess of Wales.

About the 1851 Trust

At 1851 Trust, we use sport to bring STEM and climate learning to life – sparking ambition and unlocking potential. Our free, curriculum-linked programmes give young people real-world challenges, inspiring role models, and the confidence to see themselves in the future of science, technology, and climate action. Our free digital platform STEMCrew.org is trusted by 42% of secondary schools and used in 31 countries. Through our programmes young people see science in motion, from footballs in flight to boats on the water, and discover careers that turn curiosity into real-world impact.

Discover more 

www.1851trust.org.uk

www.stemcrew.org

Sir Ben Ainslie to run TCS London Marathon for the 1851 Trust “There are no limits on potential”

Posted on by Megan Cliff

This April, Sir Ben Ainslie is taking on a new sporting challenge. The world’s most decorated Olympic sailor will tackle the 2026 TCS London Marathon. Like thousands of everyday runners who will line up alongside him, Ben is not a marathon runner – stepping outside his comfort zone, he will push himself physically and mentally to complete the 26.2 mile course, as he runs to raise awareness and funds for the 1851 Trust, a charity he founded over a decade ago.

“I’m not a runner,” said Sir Ben. “But that’s the whole point. Every young person the 1851 Trust works with is standing at the start of something that might feel too big, too hard, or too far out of reach. I want them to see that sometimes you need to challenge yourself, you just have to start.”

Since 2014, the 1851 Trust has been on a mission to change the way young people learn in the classroom and beyond, taking the universal language of sport and using it to make STEM subjects click.

“I didn’t find STEM subjects easy at school, what I didn’t realise was that every time I stepped onto a boat, I was using maths and science in everything I did. Once I saw science in action and how it worked beyond the textbook, I understood it. That’s why we set up the 1851 Trust.”

Sir Ben Ainslie, 1851 Trust Patron

The same principle applies to the marathon. It is an exercise in physics, biology, and maths. Every training session is an experiment; every mile is valuable data. Running a marathon is, in its own way, applied science.

For schools to explore this idea further, the 1851 Trust has a series of three exciting STEM resources for students inspired by the extraordinary attempt of Eliud Kipchoge to break the two-hour marathon barrier. These resources dive into key elements that shaped the project, including pacemakers, nutrition, and course selection. Through practical activities in physics, biology, and maths, they will analyse performance, test ideas, and uncover the science behind one of the greatest sporting challenges ever attempted. Teachers can explore these free resource at www.stemcrew.org/159challenge

The 1851 Trust has seen that when young people are shown how science works beyond the textbook – how it lives in the real world, in real sport, in real athletes and engineers doing extraordinary things – they see the world differently.

Sir Ben Ainslie is taking on the London Marathon to ensure young people understand one powerful truth: there are no limits on their potential.

Support Sir Ben’s Marathon, funds raised will directly support the 1851 Trust’s mission across the UK.

Donate Here

Jo Grindley on Risk, Resilience and finding your Superpower

Posted on by Megan Cliff

Jo Grindley’s career has been a diverse journey and not always plain sailing, from international banking to the British Sailing Team, from journalism to founding a sports marketing agency, from athlete agent to America’s Cup team builder, and now CEO of the 1851 Trust and a driving force behind Athena Sports Group, she has, as she puts it, learned by doing at every turn.

On International Women’s Day, we sat down with Jo to talk about dyslexia as a superpower, the courage it takes to change course, and using her voice to support others and accelerate change.

You’ve had an extraordinarily varied career. Where did it all begin?

Honestly, it began with not knowing. At 18, I had no idea what I was good at. I went to the US, started a degree, didn’t finish it, came back to the UK, and walked into a job at an international bank. I stayed for eight years. Then the opportunity came to pursue Olympic sailing, and most people would have looked at a stable career with a clear path ahead and said I can’t walk away from this, but I jumped in with both feet.

I funded myself by working as a journalist, learning PR, picking up marketing wherever I could. When I stopped competing, I had a new collection of skills and at 30 with two small children I took a leap of faith and started a sports marketing agency. Ben Ainslie had just won his first Olympic gold in Sydney and became one of my first clients, and I worked as his agent through his next three Olympic campaigns. That relationship has now lasted over 25 years and eventually led to building an America’s Cup team, a SailGP team, Women’s and Youth America’s Cup teams and a charity the 1851 Trust.

Tell us about the 1851 Trust

When we setup the America’s Cup team it was important to find the impact we could have through the sport, we know how sport can unite and inspire, so we setup the 1851 Trust. It was about how we could give young people a world class education and opportunity to learn differently in real life contexts. We created learning experiences built around the science, technology, engineering and maths behind high performance sport. Watching a foiling boat fly and understanding why that’s happening. That’s physics in action. Put physics in a textbook in front of me and I struggle. Show it to me, and I understand it immediately. For so many young people, that’s the difference between switching on and switching off and through the 1851 Trust we want to create the access and opportunity to change this.You’ve spoken openly about being dyslexic. How did that shape you?

Everyone has a superpower, and you just need to give people the confidence to find it.  For everyone to perform at their best they require something different, the space and creativity to excel and once you find that there is no limit to what you can achieve, and that’s something we’re passionate about supporting through the 1851 Trust.

You’ve spoken openly about being dyslexic. How did that shape you?

School wasn’t easy place for me, I was dyslexic. the environment valued academia, spelling tests and all learning was from a textbook with people talking at you. I was different, and none of that worked for me. What I have come to understand is that dyslexia gave me a different more creative way of thinking, it’s genuinely a superpower, it just took me a little while to recognise that. Everyone has a superpower, and you just need to give people the confidence to find it.  For everyone to perform at their best they require something different, the space and creativity to excel and once you find that there is no limit to what you can achieve, and that’s something we’re passionate about supporting through the 1851 Trust.

You work alongside some of sailing’s greatest athletes — Ben Ainslie, Hannah Mills. What unites them?

A genuine commitment to giving back. Ben is groundbreaking in every sense, the most decorated Olympic sailor in history, the founder of a multi-sport sailing group, but what strikes me most about him is that he’s never stopped asking what more he can do, not just for himself, but for the sport and for the young people coming through. Hannah is the same. They both understand that the platform they’ve built carries a responsibility.

That’s the vision we all share: to make sailing truly representative of society.

Do you think sailing a progressive sport for women?

In some ways yes, we’re one of the few sports where men and women can compete on a level playing field, the momentum is building. Our sport is changing and there are more opportunities for women, and I understand the responsibility within the roles that I have to support more women to excel in this sport that we love, hopefully we can make a difference in the future to have a more diverse sport.  The progress is more clearly seen in the athletes and quotas within teams, but that isn’t reflected in the same way of diversity in management teams and boards, so I would love to see a more diverse group of people represented to move the impact that sport can have further forward. Everyone thinks slightly differently and if you have the same group of people thinking the same way and you’re trying to solve a problem then you’re probably going to come up with the same answers. You need people to challenge and think differently to ensure you covering all bases to achieve your goals.

Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?

I wish I’d used my voice sooner. Action and words matter they create permission for others and accelerate change. As my career progressed one of the most meaningful parts is to watch the growth in others, and to be able to give back where I can to see them become the best versions of themselves. Sport is about continuous learning, it has been a very male dominated arena, but things are changing, and I hope I support this change.

What advice would you give to a young woman starting out?

Try everything, don’t let stereotypes narrow your horizon because of stereotypes. Anyone can do anything it’s what you choose to do and what your superpower is and what you’re good at. Don’t be afraid of change, don’t get complacent – strive to be better and not to settle. Life is a continual learning process, I’m learning AI right now, something that comes naturally to my daughters, but something I’m having to re-learn, life moves at pace and you have to move with it. 

One word to describe yourself?

Determined. I have a dogged determination to use whatever platform I have to create impact on the things I really care about: whether it’s the environment, young people, and the empowerment of women. That’s what keeps me motivated – alongside winning.

Jo Grindley is CEO of the 1851 Trust and CMO/COO of the Athena Sports Group. The 1851 Trust believes every young person deserves access to a world-class education, real learning, rooted in the real world. Because potential isn’t rare, the opportunity to unlock it is. We’re on a mission to inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers. The 1851 Trust works with young people across the UK and globally delivering digital and live STEM education for young people aged 8-16. Trusted by over 42% of UK secondary schools and taught across 31 countries.

#IWD2025 | #FindYourSuperpower | #1851Trust | #AthenaSportsGroup

A conversation with Lauren Eatwell, Head of WindWings at BAR Technologies

Posted on by Megan Cliff

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re reminded that women still make up less than a third of the global STEM workforce, and far fewer in engineering and technology. The gap doesn’t start with ability. Girls do just as well in science at school. It starts with confidence, visibility and opportunity.

We sat down with Lauren Eatwell, Head of WindWings at BAR Technologies, to talk about curiosity, confidence, climate solutions and what really helps girls see themselves in STEM. For Lauren, science clicked through problem-solving. Maths, mechanics and physics appealed because they allowed her to work things out, not memorise answers. That same curiosity now underpins her career in engineering. 

That same mindset now shapes how Lauren thinks about some of the biggest challenges facing the world today, particularly climate change and sustainability. For her, science and engineering are powerful because they allow us to approach problems from different angles.

“If we want to think about things in new and different ways, we need as many varied brains and experiences applied to it as possible.”

Diversity isn’t just about representation, it strengthens outcomes.

“As with anything in life, success comes not just from good ideas, but from being able to realise them through collaboration and communication. Diverse teams bring real strength to companies.”

For girls deciding whether STEM is for them, visibility can be the deciding factor, this is where representation really matters.

“Seeing women across the full spectrum of roles hopefully inspires more girls to embrace those paths”

Her advice to girls is simple: “Don’t worry about where you fit or where you’ll end up, I’m confident no one really knows that. Keep making decisions that let you follow interesting work and studies. If you enjoy STEM subjects, you’ll have a solid foundation that can take you in so many different career directions.”

Lauren’s journey shows what’s possible when curiosity is encouraged and pathways are visible. And on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, her message is clear:

“STEM needs girls’ ideas, voices and talent, now more than ever”

At the 1851 Trust we’re passionate about supporting all young people see themselves in STEM, the gender gap in STEM isn’t about talent. It’s about opening doors and making sure girls know they belong.

Watch Lauren’s interview here

Empowering Primary Science: Why Confidence, Context and Curiosity Matter More Than Ever

Posted on by Megan Cliff

At the 1851 Trust, we believe science should be experienced, not just taught.
Through Sport Inspired Learning, we connect real-world performance, teamwork, and innovation to classroom science — helping young people see how physics, engineering, and sustainability come to life through sport.

That’s why the findings from the State of Primary Science in the UK 2025 report by the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) resonate so strongly with us. The report highlights progress — but also some urgent challenges that every educator, policymaker, and charity partner must take seriously.

Here are five key insights that stood out, and what they mean for the future of science teaching.

1. Science is finally getting more airtime — and that’s progress

More schools now have a designated science lead, and weekly lessons are becoming the norm. That means more opportunities for pupils to explore, question, and experiment — the very heart of great science learning.

Our view: Structure is vital, but it’s the spark that turns structure into engagement. That’s why our STEM Crew resources are packed with hands-on, context based learning that make science feel exciting and relevant from day one.

2. Confidence counts — and too many teachers are losing it

Despite more provision, teacher confidence in teaching science is falling. Many educators say they don’t feel equipped to deliver engaging, practical science lessons.

Our view: You don’t have to be a scientist to inspire scientists. Our free classroom resources, videos, and assemblies are designed to give teachers everything they need to bring science to life — even if it’s not your specialist subject.

 3. Unequal access to CPD and mentoring is holding schools back

Teachers who aren’t science leads often lack access to mentoring or subject-specific CPD. This can make science feel isolating or less supported than literacy or maths.

Our view: Every teacher deserves to feel confident leading science. We’re working to make our professional learning opportunities more accessible, with training and events that connect science to sport, engineering, and sustainability.

4. Leadership makes all the difference

Schools with strong science leadership report better outcomes across the board — from teacher confidence to enrichment activities like outdoor learning.

Our view: Leadership inspires culture. We love supporting Science leads, over 40% of UK schools use our resources that champion collaborative, practical, and curiosity-driven science.

5. We must close the access gap

The report shows big disparities in resources and enrichment opportunities between schools and regions. Too often, access to hands-on science depends on where you live. 

Our view: Science provision shouldn’t be a postcode lottery. The 1851 Trust is committed to removing barriers — offering free digital resources, in-school STEM Crew Live events, and assemblies that reach every type of school and student as we believe that STEM should be for everyone. 

The message is clear, when science is hands-on, connected to the real world, and full of curiosity, young people thrive.


Explore our library of free STEM Crew resources for your classroom
👉 www.stemcrew.org.uk

Together, We Can Create Lasting Change

Posted on by Megan Cliff

Sometimes all it takes is one story, one voice, one role model to spark a young person’s belief in themselves. For girls especially, seeing women succeed at the highest level — in sport, in science, in leadership — can be life-changing.

That’s why athletes like Hannah Mills OBE matter so much. As one of the most successful female Olympic sailors in history, Hannah isn’t just a champion on the water — she’s a champion for change. She speaks out on climate action, mentors young people, and shows that determination and courage can open doors far beyond sport. For a teenage girl wondering if she belongs in STEM, or whether her voice is strong enough to make a difference, Hannah’s example says: yes, you do, and yes, it is.


And the impact goes far beyond Hannah alone. Research shows that 70% of girls feel more confident to follow their dreams when they see women leading the way, yet women currently represent just 28% of the STEM workforce (WISE, 2023) and fewer than 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs(Fortune, 2024). In sport, women still receive less than 10% of media coverage.  That’s why role models — whether they’re athletes, engineers, scientists or entrepreneurs — are so powerful. They help young people, especially young women, picture themselves in spaces they might not otherwise imagine.

At the 1851 Trust, this is at the heart of our mission: to use the power of sport to inspire the next generation in STEM and climate education. We know that when students connect the excitement of high-performance sport with science, engineering and technology, their curiosity grows — and so does their belief in what’s possible for their own futures.

That’s exactly why we created the “Use Your Voice” resource on STEMCrew. Featuring Hannah Mills and other inspirational athletes, it’s designed to help students explore how personal stories, science, and sport can combine to make a real difference in the world. It’s not just about learning — it’s about giving young people the confidence to speak up, take action, and dream bigger.

So the question is: how will you use your influence? Whether you’re a teacher, parent, coach or mentor, every encouragement you give matters. Together, we can help young people find their voice, follow their passions, and shape a better future.

👉 Explore the free “Use Your Voice” resource here: STEMCrew.org

STEM Crew Live Brings Sport-Inspired Learning to Life for Portsmouth Students

Posted on by Megan Cliff

1851 Trust and Howden Join Forces to Empower the Next Generation through SPORT

Portsmouth, UK July 2025

At the historic Royal Naval Dockyard 120 local students aged 11–14 from local secondary schools stepped into the thrilling world of high-performance sport and science this week as STEM Crew Live arrived in Portsmouth. Delivered by the 1851 Trust and supported by Howden, a global insurance intermediary group, , this two-day interactive event harnessed the power of sport to ignite ambition, build confidence, and break down barriers to STEM education and broaden horizons to a range of future careers.

Transforming Perceptions through Sport-Inspired Learning
Founded by Olympic legend and Emirates GBR SailGP Team CEO Sir Ben Ainslie, the 1851 Trust uses sport inspired learning to help young people see themselves in the world of science, innovation, and sustainability. STEM Crew Live goes beyond the textbook, giving students access to athletes, and hands-on activities that mirror real-world challenges, it is designed to make STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects real, relatable, and inspiring unlocking potential and building confidence in the young people we meet.

At STEM Crew Live Portsmouth young people explored the big question of the day, “How do we mitigate against risk”.  Through four hands on sessions across the two days, from boat and sail design where students competed for the fastest design of the day, to wind tunnel experiments and a careers speed networking session with professionals across sailing, maritime and insurance, students explored how risk is managed both in high performance sport and the insurance world. With support from a team of Howden professionals alongside SailGP athletes like Hannah Mills and Ben Cornish students discovered the parallels between sport, business, and science.

The young people were given an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the British team’s SailGP tech base, seeing the Emirates GBR F50 boat up close, meeting team members and finding out how they take their team off grid at all events through a solar and wind turbine installation created by Low Carbon.  

“There’s a perception around some jobs and industries that you need certain qualifications or specific skillsets. What we hope young people take away from events like these is the breadth of career paths and opportunities in industries like insurance. There’s something for everyone – if you’ve got the right passion and attitude, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Being able to bring this to life through the high-quality immersive experience the 1851 Trust and Emirates GBR created for the young people today was really special. The wide-eyed smiles and unwavering engagement throughout the day told me that this will stick in their minds for a very long time.” – Hayley Langston, Group Head of Social Impact, Howden

“All young people deserve access to powerful, future-shaping experiences, especially those from communities that are historically underserved or underrepresented.  By connecting young people with real-life role models we spark ambition, build confidence, and show them that they belong in these spaces,” Jo Grindley CEO 1851 Trust. 

Portsmouth has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the South of England. STEM Crew Live directly targets schools with high pupil premium and free school meal rates to ensure that those who stand to gain the most have access to this transformative experience.  With over 40% of UK secondary schools already using the 1851 Trust’s free digital STEM Crew resources, this STEM Crew Live is part of a national mission to close opportunity gaps, build essential life skills, and inspire futures in science, green skills, and maritime innovation.

Collaborating to Inspire Young People in Portsmouth Through SailGP Community Activation Programme 

Posted on by Megan Cliff

The Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) and 1851 Trust are leading a new community programme to be delivered in Portsmouth this July, the programme aims to provide an inspiring and exciting learning experience alongside the highly anticipated Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth event. 

The four-day activation will engage school children and local community groups in a wide-ranging programme focused on sailing and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sessions. The initiative is made possible as multiple organisations come together through a shared commitment from delivery partners and funders, which include the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) – the Official Community Impact Partner for Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, and Energise Me.  

Taking place from 17th–20th July at an RYA Beach Club, the programme will offer a unique waterfront experience. Activities will include keelboat sailing, as well as wingsurfing taster sessions on the water – delivered by the ASF, alongside interactive, curriculum-linked STEM sessions on climate, engineering, and technology – delivered by the 1851 Trust. The sessions will feature coding sphero robotic balls around a race course, and a maths and physics session where young people will design, build and strength test model boats.  The two organisations have worked closely together over the last decade delivering the 1851 Trust Rebels programme where over 8000 young people from 12 locations across the UK took part in STEM and on water activity days.  

1851 Roadshow, Portsmouth

“The Andrew Simpson Foundation strongly believes partnership working significantly expands and diversifies opportunities in and around the water for young people.  

“We are looking forward on drawing upon the excitement that the SailGP event will bring to the area, to provide access to young people to explore new activities they may otherwise not have the chance to partake in.”  – Josh Atherton, ASF Development Project Manager

As a not-for-profit organisation, the ASF works to remove any true or perceived barriers to enable and encourage all young people to participate in sailing and watersports. 

The community activation programme builds on the success of the RYA’s Formula Kite European’s social impact initiative, delivered by ASF, elevating engagement through STEM Crew, the 1851 Trust’s free digital platform used by more than 40% of UK secondary schools. Through sports inspired STEM resources, it connects young people to real-world science and sustainability in a way that is both accessible and relevant. 

“At the 1851 Trust we understand the power of sport to inspire and empower young people, transforming how they connect with the world and see their future within it.

“We are excited to partner with the ASF and reignite the on-water programme that connects so well to our hands on STEM education sessions, these partnerships are crucial to support young people in deprived areas with barriers to education and opportunity.

“Our work is driven by belief in young people’s potential, through our free to access education programme STEM crew we help teachers unlock potential, spark ambition, and create opportunities to inspire futures for young people in STEM, Green and Maritime careers.” – Jo Grindley, CEO 1851 Trust

The first two days of the programme (17–18 July) will welcome schools from across Portsmouth, building on the momentum of the Hampshire School Games’ STEM and sustainability challenges. The top-performing schools will be invited to take part in practical, hands-on activities that bring classroom learning to life. 

Over the SailGP race weekend (19–20 July), the focus shifts to the wider community, with sessions for local organisations including Urbond, Pompey in the Community, the Royal Navy, Motiv8, EnableAbility, Portsmouth Young Carers, and the Parenting Network. A walk-in STEM zone will also be available, offering engaging resources for families and visitors. 

“We’re proud to be the Official Community Impact Partner for the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, joining forces with the Andrew Simpson Foundation to help more people connect with the water. The RYA Beach Club is a brilliant way to get local young people involved, and with support from our OnBoard resources, we’re showing that sailing is for everyone — it’s fun, inclusive, and a great way to build confidence and learn new skills.

“Collaboration creates stronger, longer-lasting impact, and we’re excited to keep growing these partnerships to help power up Portsmouth and bring lasting benefits to the whole community.”– Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport Development

“Energise Me are delighted to be part of such an exciting opportunity to connect local schools and community organisations. Portsmouth’s coastline offers a wealth of opportunities to be active. By partnering with the RYA, Andrew Simpson Foundation and 1851 Trustwe hope to increase access to and inspire lifelong participation and engagement with these activities.” – Sharon Roberston, Head of Children and Young people, Energise Me

By working together, the programme partners aim to provide fun, meaningful opportunities for young people to try something new and learn in a different environment. It’s a chance to inspire them through sport alongside the excitement of SailGP.