A day at the races

Guilsborough Academy · 1 May 2026

Finley (14), who is partially sighted, spent a day at Silverstone with his class from Guilsborough Academy in Northamptonshire

Year 8 went to Silverstone for the whole school day to have a new experience in Formula 1 race cars. Our trip included a museum tour, STEM session and interactive activities.

Before we got off the bus, we were told about what we would see during the visit.

My first impression when walking through the doors was amazement, because standing in front of us were the driving instructors and we all got the chance to ask them some questions.

We all got an opportunity to get a feel of the materials of the car, including the helmet and life vest. My most difficult challenge was not being able to grip on to the big parts of the car. My advice for the teachers if you have any disabled people on the trip, try to help them hold the materials of the car.

At lunchtime we ate our packed lunches. Also, if you’ve brought money with you, you are taken a group at a time to get something from the gift shop.

After lunch we looked at life-sized models of cars dating back to Formula 1’s first ever racing car. We even got to sit in one of them. While sitting in this car I had this amazing feeling, as if I had been taken back in time to when the first creation of Formula 1 had ever been made.

Then for the last activity you get to have a fun experience of watching a 3D cinema of racing cars driving on a racing track. This was my favourite part of the trip, to feel like you're actually racing in a racing car!

On the right track

Silverstone is the home of UK Formula 1 motorsport. Each year thousands of students visit the famous track to learn about the science behind the speed, thanks to a programme that combines curriculum-linked STEM workshops with a tour of the museum. Its aim is to reach the widest audience possible, so, as well as being fully wheelchair-accessible, the venue has experienced staff who can work with young people with SEND and create an itinerary that suits their needs.

Adaptations for SEND groups include:

• Shorter workshop times
• An informal format with a focus on object-handling
• A student-led approach to deliver whatever each group needs
• Fully flexible itinerary on the day to adapt to the students’ responses
• Accessible facilities throughout

These adaptations help to make sure that everyone gets the most out of the visit, whether they’re operating a wind tunnel, changing a wheel in a pit stop, learning about aerodynamics or watching an immersive film show. Silverstone’s ultimate goal is to use F1 and motorsport technology to bring learning to life and inspire future engineers and designers – whatever their abilities.

Silverstone in numbers

• 16,000 student visitors over the last two years
• 4000m2 of exhibition space
• Over 60 interactive hands-on exhibits
• 75 years of racing history