Local primary school pupils were in the fast lane at the finale of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Schneider Electric STEM programme as they were joined by motorsport star Abbi Pulling.
The Foundation and Schneider Electric, supported by CreativeHUT, have been delivering sessions in three local schools recently, introducing 90 pupils to the world of STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths.
To celebrate, the pupils of Lea Valley, St Francis de Sales and St Paul’s & All Hallows visited F1 DRIVE London – the official F1 karting experience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – and demonstrated their newfound skills to Abbi by competing in LEGO and coding activities. The Spurs fan in turn shared words of wisdom with the children as they took to the track and simulators.
F1 DRIVE London is driving diversity in motorsport by providing apprenticeship and career opportunities for local young people, with a focus on women and underrepresented groups. This was the second time Abbi has visited to support youngsters on Foundation programmes, previously hosting a driving masterclass.
Abbi said: “It’s been really fun to see the kids coming together, getting involved and being very enthusiastic. You can see this isn’t just them turning up because they have to – they’re so engaged, loving what they’re doing, and it puts a smile on my face. Opportunities like this build that first connection to motorsport, engineering or other STEM careers. It’s so special to see.”
Ayhan, nine, from Lea Valley, said: “It’s been so fun – 10 out of 10! We got to experience lots of different activities and I’m excited to do more in the future.”
The Foundation is building out its STEM offering – recently opening a dedicated STEM learning zone in its Percy House HQ next to the Stadium – as research shows that many schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas, face significant barriers delivering STEM education.
A study by Haringey Council said attainment and participation in STEM subjects were well below London and national benchmarks, with another report last year highlighting that 46% of schools in England cite funding as a major barrier to STEM provision and 56% point to insufficient staff time.
Maria Kokotsis, Lea Valley head, said: “There’s no classroom in the world where the pupils can do what they’ve done today, and it was amazing for them to meet Abbi.
“Through our school sessions, the subject knowledge brought by the Foundation and Schneider Electric means we now have five STEM ambassadors and a STEM lunchtime club every day for different year groups, with our ambassadors supporting them so that they get high-quality STEM activities.”
Andrew Wands, Foundation education manager, said: “The kids today were very excited to meet Abbi and her presence brought the world of motorsport to life for them, showing that no dream’s out of reach.
“STEM careers aren’t just the future – they’re key to solving the challenges we face today. Thanks to our partnership with Schneider Electric, we’re giving local children the tools and inspiration to shape that future, especially in energy, sustainability and technology.”
Today’s event was the second of its kind following another for 120 schoolchildren that was attended by players from our Academy earlier this year.
The STEM programme aligns with the Club’s commitment to sustainability. We are recognised as the Premier League’s greenest club, having consistently topped the Sport Positive EPL league table, and our partnership with Schneider Electric – a global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation - supports our journey to net-zero by powering 100% renewable energy of all electrical equipment at the Stadium.
Kelly Becker, president of Schneider Electric UK & Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands, said: “We’re proud to partner with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation on this programme to inspire the next generation of innovators. This isn’t just about teaching children new skills – it’s about preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow, particularly in green energy and sustainability, which will be vital to shaping a more sustainable future.”