The National College for Motorsport at Silverstone Park is entering one of its strongest periods, with applications rising and a record number of female students training to become motorsport technicians.
“This academic year we’ve welcomed over 30 female students – our highest intake ever,” said Head of School Justin Downard, a former F1 technician.
“Teams are actively looking for female technicians. Their attention to detail is exceptional and the barriers that once existed in the paddock have shifted massively.”
The 30 female students represent approximately 15% of the College’s intake of 200+ students per academic year. Justin credits cultural change.
“Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive’ has definitely had an influence.
“It’s opened people’s eyes to the breadth of hands‑on technical roles in motorsport, especially young women who might not previously have pictured themselves in a race team’s garage.”
The College is already oversubscribed for 2026/27. Its model is deliberately practical: two days a week on campus – one in the workshop and one in the classroom – supported by independent study, online lessons, project work and academic reviews.
Work experience weeks in October and April are timed to bookend the UK motorsport season. “Lots of life skills are learnt by preparing someone for the world of industry,” added Justin.
Whilst proud of its alumni in Formula One, Justin keeps ambitions grounded.
“Our core purpose is to serve the national motorsport industry first. If students want it enough, the world is their oyster.”
More than 200 former students now work in F1, with many others progressing into World Endurance, World Rally, GT racing and the wider global motorsport ecosystem.
Strong employer links, including the Grand Prix Trust’s careers event hosted by Martin Brundle inside Silverstone’s Wing, underline the College’s growing momentum.
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