Last week we took more than 40 Year 8 students to the opening day of the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed for an unforgettable experience combining motorsport, technology, and career inspiration.
The day began with over an hour exploring the Future Lab, where students discovered cutting-edge innovations in AI, robotics, virtual reality, space technology, and IBM’s quantum computing. There were plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with the latest technology, and students enthusiastically spoke with exhibitors about their work, learning more about the exciting careers available in these rapidly developing industries.
One of the highlights of the Future Lab was the Formula E and IBM exhibition, which showcased how AI and quantum-powered computing are being used to design and develop the next generation of high-performance electric racing cars. This interactive experience brought STEM subjects to life and demonstrated how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are shaping the future of motorsport.
Students then spent around three hours watching the spectacular racing action, including the famous Goodwood Hill Climb, where they saw an incredible range of cars and motorcycles in action. They also explored the manufacturer displays, with almost every major automotive brand represented. Throughout the day, students had the chance to see a number of brand-new vehicle launches from prestigious manufacturers including Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, and Mercedes-AMG.
For many students, the highlight of the day was meeting Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli, who joined the Duke of Richmond to unveil the brand-new Mercedes-AMG CLA. Many students were thrilled to have the opportunity to get their phone cases, hats, and other memorabilia signed.
The group also attended an inspiring careers session hosted by McLaren, where a panel of employees shared their career journeys, explained their current roles, and offered valuable advice on breaking into the motorsport industry. Our students were fully engaged throughout the session, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine curiosity about future career opportunities.
We rounded off a fantastic day with an ice cream while watching the incredible supercars return to the paddock. It was an inspiring and memorable experience that gave students a unique insight into the worlds of engineering, innovation, and motorsport, while encouraging them to think about the exciting careers that could be part of their own future.
Year 8s were a true credit to the school.
