Bradford College Greenpower Challenge Launches for 2025

Following a successful first year in 2024, the Bradford College Greenpower Challenge recently kicked off for 2025.

In partnership with Greenpower Education Trust, the initiative gives school pupils across the region chance to build their very own battery-powered kit car ready for a grand finale race day at Tockwith Race Circuit in July.

Speaking about the exciting challenge, a Greenpower Education Trust representative said: “This Formula 24 Challenge is about building confidence and self-esteem, as well as teaching transferrable skills in areas such as marketing, fundraising, and design. Greenpower is all about engineering and social inclusion, making Bradford an ideal fit for the aspirational initiative. We aim to showcase careers to a diverse range of students, who otherwise may not get such a hands-on opportunity.”

Last week saw various Bradford schools receive delivery of their car building kits, donated by Bradford College, as the project goes bigger and better for its second year.

Involved in 2025 will be:

BBG Academy (returning competitor and reigning champions)

Tong Leadership Academy (returning competitor)

Oastlers Keighley (returning competitor)

Hanson Academy (returning competitor)

Hazelbeck School (returning competitor)

Buttershaw Business & Enterprise College (new competitor)

One In A Million Free School (new competitor)

Bradford AP Academy (new competitor)

Swain House Primary school (new competitor, partnered with Hanson Academy)

Following receipt of their cars, students involved will now set about building their 30mph single-seater vehicles under the support of teachers, Greenpower themselves, and the Bradford College Motor Vehicle Team. Competitors are encouraged to craft a unique spin for their car’s self-sourced bodywork, with an emphasis on the use of eco-friendly materials.

As was the case in 2024, these efforts will culminate with an illustrious race day in July as the schools try to topple reigning champions, BBG Academy.

In a new twist for 2025 though, one secondary school involved has opted to partner with one of their local primary schools. As well as putting together their own car, Hanson Academy will be working with Swain House Primary School to support Year 6 students with the build of a ‘Goblin’ car – aimed at children aged 9-11.

Ahead of Greenpower 2025 with Bradford College, Swain House Primary School said: “We are delighted to be working with Hanson Academy, our local secondary school, to develop a strong working partnership. It’s really exciting for our school to be participating in the Greenpower project, which will provide an opportunity to pupils beyond what they may have previously experienced.”

One of the new schools taking part, One In A Million Free School, also said: “We chose to participate as it looked like a brilliant opportunity for our students, providing them with hands-on STEM experience and chance to work together as a team – they can’t wait to get started!”

Looking back to last year, it was BBG Academy who were crowned champions in the inaugural race day at Blyton Race Track, Gainsborough.

Team BBG return for this year’s instalment and are ready to try and defend their crown, saying: “We’re delighted to be involved again for another year! Last year, students learned to work together as a team and used their resilience to overcome any challenges faced. Our newly-assembled team are raring to go and counting down to race day!”

Are you a Primary or Secondary school keen to participate or a company interested in sponsorship opportunities? Please contact the Bradford College Events Team on [email protected] for more information. Alternatively, visit our dedicated Greenpower page to find out more about this flourishing partnership and how it’s positively impacting school children across the district.