Weavers Academy has been confirmed as a finalist in the Northamptonshire Education Awards 2025 in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) category — recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to inspiring the next generation of young scientists, engineers and innovators.

This recognition celebrates the academy’s pioneering work to empower girls in STEM through a series of high-impact, hands-on initiatives that are transforming both participation and aspiration.

At the heart of this success is STEM on Track — a thrilling Year 9 engineering challenge led by Assistant Principal Emma Huett. The project sees students design, build, and race fully operational go-karts, mirroring real-world engineering teamwork and problem-solving. Of the 27 students involved in its launch year, 17 were girls, with two all-female teams — an achievement unmatched by any other school in the region.

Other highlights include a “Women in Engineering” experience at Aston Martin, organised by Careers Advisor Laura Cain, which gave 14 Year 10 girls exclusive access to the AMF1 engineering facility and a panel with female engineers working in Formula 1. In addition, Dr Rachel Causey, Science Teacher and STEM Lead, introduced every Year 7 student to the Big Bang Science and Engineering Fair — an immersive national event that showcases innovation and brings science to life.

These experiences are not just exciting — they are working. In the past three years, Triple Science uptake at GCSE has more than doubled, with girls now making up 55% of the cohort. At A level, the proportion of female students studying Physics and Maths has also risen significantly, reflecting the academy’s success in tackling long-standing gender imbalances.

The Northamptonshire Education Awards 2025 celebrate excellence and innovation across the county’s schools and colleges. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony later this term.