Local schools test engineering skills, problem-solving and creativity in Mid Sussex STEM Challenge

Students from across Mid Sussex have spent the past nine months putting their engineering skills, creativity and teamwork to the test as part of the annual Mid Sussex Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Challenge. 

Six local schools took part in this year’s challenge, culminating in the STEM Challenge Finale on Friday 3 July, sponsored by Mid Sussex District Council. This year, students were tasked with designing and building a vehicle powered by potential energy.  

The participating schools were Oathall Community College, Warden Park Academy, St Paul’s Catholic College, Sackville School, Chailey School and Burgess Hill Academy.   The competition’s growing popularity is reflected in the increasing number of teams entered by schools, with Oathall Community College, Sackville School and Burgess Hill Academy each entering multiple teams in the challenge. 

Entries showcased a range of engineering approaches, including vehicles powered by mousetrap mechanisms, elastic potential energy, and innovative 3D-printed components. 

Throughout the challenge, students developed their problem-solving abilities by overcoming real-world engineering obstacles and adapting their designs along the way. Teams presented their projects to a panel of judges, who assessed their engineering expertise, presentation skills, teamwork, resilience and adaptability. 

The competition also required vehicles to demonstrate their strength and performance by carrying increasing weights of 50ml, 100ml, 200ml and 300ml. Teams were tasked with completing as many successful runs as possible while carrying the heaviest load. 

Cllr Ian Gibson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing said: "Mid Sussex District Council is proud to support the STEM Challenge, which gives young people the opportunity to apply their learning in a practical, real-world setting while developing valuable skills in engineering, teamwork and problem-solving. 

By investing in STEM activities, we’re helping to nurture local talent while strengthening Mid Sussex's position as a hub for science and technology, driving future innovation, economic growth and opportunity across the district." 

Bringing together schools and industry partners, the Mid Sussex STEM challenge is helping to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators while building the skills needed to support future technological advancement and economic growth across Mid Sussex. 

2026 STEM Challenge Award Winners 

• Presentation Winner: Team 6, Sackville School 
• Engineering Winner: Team 10, St Paul’s Catholic College 
• Race Winner: Chailey School 
• Overall Winner: Chailey School