Aspiring engineers from The King's School have reason to celebrate after earning fifth place in the World Finals of the F1 in Schools Challenge – the largest STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) competition in the world.

Sixth Degree – made up of 18-year-old James McDonagh, 18-year-old Josh Roberts, 16-year-old Olivia Samson, 17-year-old Anna Lloyd and 16-year-old Amelia Standing – designed and manufactured a carbon dioxide-powered F1 car from model board which is 1/20 scale model of an actual F1 car.

The team travelled to Austin, Texas, last month to compete in the demanding four-day tournament, which involved delivering a presentation and participating in time trials and reaction racing testing their car.

The contest coincided with the US Grand Prix which was also held in Austin, so the team got to meet racing driver Sebastian Vettel.

James, Amelia, Anna, Olivia and Josh with Sebastian Vettel

Another highlight was the annual Ashes competition between the Australian and UK teams, which Sixth Degree won.

Olivia, who was Sixth Degree's marketing and scrutineering manager, said: "After all the hard work we put in over the last year ranging from difficulties in decision-making of the car design to finding the perfect sponsors we are overwhelmed to have returned home to England with the Ashes trophy and an incredible fifth place.

"The whole experience has been remarkable and I would like to thank F1 in Schools, our sponsors and all our family and friends for the opportunity."

Sixth Degree intends to enter the 2017 season of F1 in Schools, and is inviting potential sponsors to get in touch by visiting their website.