Bloxham Sustainability Challenge, 2026-27
What does it take to redesign a transport system ready for one of Europe’s biggest new leisure destinations - and how can your students help shape that future?
The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge 2026–27 is built on a genuine education–industry partnership with Dalcour Maclaren, underpinned by Esri UK’s free ArcGIS for Schools programme.
It equips learners with the climate literacy and geospatial capability urgently needed in the UK, at a time when employers are reporting a widening green‑skills gap and students risk leaving school without the knowledge or confidence needed for a decarbonising economy.
With Universal Studios and East West Rail progressing live plans, students use professional GIS tools to analyse how major developments reshape mobility, communities and local environments - turning geography into purposeful, applied learning.
This year’s investigation centres on the question:
“How should East-West Rail redesign the Marston Vale Line to provide the most sustainable transport solution for the new Universal Studios development?”
Students use GIS‑enabled spatial analysis to explore sustainable transport, active travel design, biodiversity protection, climate risk and community wellbeing through a rigorous Sustainability Impact Assessment.
They gain insight into a rapidly expanding labour market - UK sustainability‑related job postings rose 9.2% in 2024, and the global geospatial technology market is projected to reach $31.2 billion by 2030.
The Challenge aligns strongly with Gatsby Benchmarks, supports the UN SDGs (SDG 9, 11 and 13), and complements school Climate Action Plans by enabling students to model emissions, evaluate infrastructure options and propose climate‑resilient solutions.
Launched originally at Bloxham School in 2023 as a transformative learning experience, the Challenge has rapidly grown into a national movement, adopted by schools from Maidstone to Aberdeen.
New for 2026–27, schools can offer the Geospatial Innovation EPQ Pathway, co‑developed with Pearson Edexcel, enabling Year 12 students to gain a Level 3 EPQ worth up to half an A‑Level through their Challenge work.
This academically robust route strengthens progression to green careers, embeds digital and environmental literacy and reflects national curriculum calls for future‑ready skills. Teachers can register interest ahead of the next national launch at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in September 2026.
Ready to take part?
If your school would like to join the 2026–27 Bloxham Sustainability Challenge (for Year 12 students), register your interest here or Scan the QR code.
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