Alderman Peel High School has secured a spot in the Greenpower electric car competition, a national contest where students design, build and race electric kit cars.

The team qualified for the finals during the Norfolk heat on September 21 at the Lotus test track in Hethel, where more than 20 teams competed.

Their success was supported by the JP Blanch legacy fund, which provided funding for one of the cars.

Archie, a student from the team, said: "One of the key things I put in my application [for work experience at Lotus] was my work building the Greenpower car.

"I’ve grown in confidence, learned how to lead a team, and improved my communication and organisation massively."

The JP Blanch fund was established from the sale of a vintage car collection belonging to the late JP Blanch, who died in 2008.

The fund, managed by the Norfolk Community Foundation, supports young people in developing engineering and technical skills.

Paul Birch, an engineer and panel member of the JP Blanch fund, said: "It’s brilliant to see young people getting hands-on with engineering, applying it in a fast-paced, real-world challenge.

"The creativity, problem-solving and teamwork these races inspire are exactly the skills they’ll need to take into the workplace."

Barnabas Shelbourne, chief executive of Greenpower, said: "We are extremely grateful for the support from the JP Blanch fund which has enabled schools to compete at a higher level and give more young people the opportunity to explore careers in engineering.

"JP Blanch’s passion for cars and craftsmanship is living on through every student who takes part in these races."

The national finals will be held at Goodwood in October 2025.

Alderman Peel High School has received an additional grant from the JP Blanch fund to help them prepare.

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/25523431.alderman-peel-high-school-wins-race-greenpower-finals/