National Grid’s Hinkley Connection Project will connect sources of low carbon energy, including Hinkley Point C, to the UK’s electricity network. As part of its commitment to encouraging the next generation of engineers, National Grid has set up an education fund for schools in areas that will be affected by the project.

Every state funded primary and secondary school in the local authority areas of Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council and West Somerset Council is eligible to apply for a £500 grant for STEM equipment every year of the project.

237 schools were awarded grants in 2018, with more than 55,000 pupils benefiting.

The Redstart Primary School in Chard spent their grant on six advanced, programmable floor robots for children in Key Stage 2 to use.

Teacher, Roger Hunt says,

“The children have loved working with their new InO-Bots. Their programming skills have deepened dramatically, and their enthusiasm has been wonderful to see. The application process was very easy, and I’d encourage all schools to apply.”

National Grid has written to all schools with the details. If you are yet to apply, the closing date for 2019/2020 is 14 February. All schools need to do is complete the short form at: https://hinkleyconnection.co.uk/education/