Phoenix Fires team from Ysgol Cynwyd Sant beats 70 UK schools and international finalists to take national title
A TEAM of Year Six pupils from Ysgol Cynwyd Sant in Maesteg have been named the UK STEM Primary National Champions for 2026 after a standout performance in a major national competition.
The group, competing under the team name Phoenix Fires, secured victory in the 2026 STEM Racing UK National Final, held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham. The pupils triumphed against 70 other schools from across the UK, as well as international teams from Hong Kong, Germany and Singapore.
The competition forms part of the international Formula 1 STEM programme, which challenges children to develop skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by designing and building a model Formula 1 racing car.
As well as taking the overall national title, Phoenix Fires also won awards for Best Engineered Car and for their Design and Engineering Portfolio.
Headteacher Sarah Richards praised the pupils for their hard work and commitment.
She said: “We are so proud of Anya, Celyn, Imogen, Magi, Loki and Joseff for their incredible achievement at the STEM Racing UK National Finals.
“With support from their teacher, Sian Thomas, and Chris Harris from STEM Cymru, they have demonstrated true creativity and determination, and have achieved outstanding success.”
Lindsay Harvey, Director of Education, Early Years and Young People at Bridgend County Borough Council, also congratulated the team.
She said: “I want to congratulate Phoenix Fires for their dedication, focus and hard work.
“The Formula One STEM engineering project is helping to develop the engineers of tomorrow by encouraging learners to apply a range of cross-curriculum skills. It remains a prestigious competition, and both the pupils and the school should feel very proud of what they have achieved.”
