Ten schools in the Long Marston area of Warwickshire are to benefit from a Rail Project through a partnership between Porterbrook and Primary Engineer.

Primary Engineer is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to encourage more young people to consider careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)-related professions. Porterbrook and Primary Engineer have previously successfully delivered projects for schools in the East Midlands, and this is the next step in their partnership.

By using rail engineering as its basis, the Rail Project provides both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 teachers and pupils with creative, practical projects. At its heart is Porterbrook’s Rail Innovation Centre at Long Marston. The site is rail connected, covers 135 acres, and has a 3.5km test track loop, storage for rolling stock, a training centre and high-quality office space. Porterbrook took over the site in June 2021, since when the company has invested £3m to modernise and enhance its facilities.

Earlier this year, ScotRail supported Primary Engineer in bringing engineering into 30 schools, whilst last year, Hitachi Rail entered a fourth year of funding for Primary Engineer to bring STEM into schools.

Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer at Porterbrook, said: “The community and businesses in and around Long Marston have played a significant role in supporting Porterbrook’s vision for the Rail Innovation Centre since we took over last June.

“Some of the most exciting innovations taking place in the railway today are being led by our talented engineers at the site, and we hope our new project with Primary Engineer will inspire the local bright minds of the future to follow in their footsteps.”

Andrew Norris, the Primary Engineer Head of Partnerships for Central England, said: “I have been lucky enough to meet a number of engineers from Porterbrook recently and have been struck by their passion for the rail industry.

“Their enthusiasm is contagious and I’m sure linking these professionals with pupils in Warwickshire will inspire the next generation of rail engineers and set them on the path to a fantastic career utilising the power of engineering”