Sir Ben Ainslie Launches UK-Wide STEM Programme for Secondary Schools
by Lucy Harwood, 1851 Trust 1 May 08:45 PDT
London launch of STEM Crew Live 2026 © Goosewing Media
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, 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."
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.
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. 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.
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.
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