Saints Peter and Paul Students Win Top Honour in Girls Get Set STEM Programme

Two talented Year 9 students from Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School in Widnes have been crowned winners of the “Best Project” award in this year’s prestigious Girls Get Set STEM programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging more young women into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Ellie Green and Maisie Forbes received the top accolade at a special presentation evening held last Friday, where they were awarded a trophy in front of their teachers, other schools and STEM industry partners. Their innovative project, which focused on sustainable energy solutions for local communities, impressed the judging panel with its originality, thorough research, and real-world application. 

Now in its second year participating in Girls Get Set, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School has continued to expand opportunities for girls to engage with STEM subjects through hands-on learning, industry mentorship, and project-based challenges. Ellie and Maisie’s project stood out from dozens of submissions across the region, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a passion for science and technology. 

Speaking about their achievement, Ellie and Maisie said, “Taking part in the Girls Get Set programme has been amazing. We’ve learned so much, not just about science and engineering, but also about working together, thinking creatively, and believing in ourselves. Winning the award was a big surprise and we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve loved every minute of it.” 

Mrs Scott, Principal of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School praised the students and the science department for their dedication and enthusiasm, saying “We are incredibly proud of Ellie and Maisie for their outstanding work and for being such fantastic ambassadors for STEM. Their commitment and creativity are an inspiration to us all. I would also like to thank our science department for their tireless support of the Girls Get Set initiative. Encouraging girls to explore STEM subjects and pursue careers in these fields is vital, not only for their individual futures, but for the future of everyone.” 

The Girls Get Set programme, supported by leading STEM employers and educators, aims to address the gender imbalance in STEM careers by providing secondary school girls with engaging, real-world experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence.