Students triumph at first Lego League Sussex regional tournament
Fifteen talented teams of students, aged 9 to 16, from schools across the South East gathered at London Gatwick Airport’s STEM Centre on Thursday 12 February for the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge Sussex regional tournament. Competing in the UNEARTHED™ challenge, they explored the fascinating world beneath our feet, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, all vying for the prestigious title of Sussex Regional Champions.
Around twenty STEM Ambassadors, many returning for the fourth consecutive year, supported the event as referees and judges. They guided teams through coding their robots to complete practical mat challenges and assessed the students’ innovative solutions inspired by the UNEARTHED™ theme, exploring archeology and treasures beneath the soil. Beyond the competition, the Ambassadors encouraged students to embrace creativity, curiosity, and teamwork, giving them a hands-on STEM experience while tackling challenges that impact communities and the environment.
Teams applied their coding, robotics, and engineering skills to build and program LEGO® robots, while also developing innovative solutions to real-world problems. The challenge inspired students to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and demonstrate how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) can be used to address issues affecting communities.
Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement and Policy at London Gatwick, said: “FIRST® LEGO® League is always a brilliant reminder of the talent and creativity within our local schools, and we’re proud to welcome students back to our STEM Centre for this year’s tournament. Inspiring young people and supporting skills development in our communities is a key priority for London Gatwick, and events like this show just how powerful hands‑on STEM experiences can be.
It’s fantastic to see the teams tackling real‑world challenges with such confidence and imagination. We’re delighted to host this event and congratulate every student for their hard work and achievements.”
Adding an extra layer of creativity, teams designed LEGO® creations inspired by the UNEARTHED™ theme during breaks. London Gatwick Airport’s engineering apprentices played a key role throughout the day, mentoring students, judging the entries, and presenting an award for the most innovative build — giving young innovators a real taste of hands-on engineering in action.
The results were extremely close, with the lead position changing several times throughout the tournament, and the title of Sussex Regional Tournament Champions was awarded to Reigate St Mary’s School. The team received their trophy from London Gatwick’s Strategic Asset Replacement Lead and will now represent their school at the FIRST® LEGO® League UK National Final in Harrogate later this year.
There were also accolades for:
Robot Performance Award – Windlesham House School
Innovation Project Award – Calthorpe Park School
Core Values Award – Gordon's School
Robot Design Award – Guildford High School ‘B’
London Gatwick Airport Resilience Award – The Hawthorns School
Coach/Mentor Award – Mrs Wareham, Bourne Community College
Build Competition Award – Reigate School
We thank this year’s participating schools and their teachers and congratulate all on their fantastic achievements: Bede's Preparatory School, Bourne Community College, Calthorpe Park School, Cheam High School, Gordon's School, Guildford High School (2 teams A & B), Reigate School, Reigate St Mary's School, Sandhurst School, The Hawthorns School, The Judd School, Uckfield College (2 teams A & B), Windlesham House School.