The Hargreaves Foundation supports The Wheels Project

The Trustees of The Hargreaves Foundation are pleased to announce that the Wheels Project has been granted funding to support the cost of entering three teams to compete in the British Schools’ Karting Championship in 2024.

Based in Bristol, the Wheels Project deliver education programmes in motor vehicle studies to disadvantaged and disaffected teenagers in the Bristol, Bath, and South Gloucestershire area. Running a range of activities which comprise progressive courses on a range of vehicles, including the stripping and rebuilding of a bicycle or go-kart, they aim to ignite a desire to learn and improve attainment levels.

‘We work with schools and other agencies across the West of England as one of just 4 part-time accredited Alternative Learning Providers and hold a Queens Award for Voluntary Service.’

Funding will be used to send three teams, each with four members, to compete in the British Schools Karting Championship – a championship proven to boost interest and motivation amongst students. Acquired costs include workshop sessions, karting fees, and the administration of the groups.

The Wheels Project are seeking this funding as the opportunity to compete in karting can impact an individual’s personal development. Some predicted outcomes of participation include increased attendance due to the incentive of competing in the championship, improved numeracy and literacy through analysing race results, and improved social skills through teamwork.

Beneficiaries will be students aged 13-17 from deprived areas across the West of England, who will have disengaged from or been excluded from school, usually put down to poor attendance and disruptive behaviour. Applicable students will be referred by full time Alternative Learning Providers and mainstream schools.