Three core elements of driver success.
Our Academy recognises three core elements in driver success: technical skills, holistic athlete development and high-performance values.
With industry experts, Performance Coaches and partners, this FREE programme is designed to develop and support drivers to be the best that they can be, and aim to produce the UK’s next motorsport star.
Technical
Skill
Our Academy develops world-leading technical skills and racecraft, equipping competitors with the expertise to perform at the highest level.
Holistic
Athlete
Psychology, nutrition and physical preparation, treating drivers as elite athletes.
High-Performance
Values
Professionalism and integrity, the mindset of a true ambassador for the sport.
Something for
everyone.
Motorsport is one of the most exciting, diverse and enjoyable sporting activities on the planet. UK motorsport, in particular, is world-renowned for its long, illustrious history and its breadth and depth.
The beauty of the sport is that it offers something for everyone, one of the few activities that allow men and women to compete against each other on a level playing field, regardless of age, sex, background, or even physical disability.
Proven pathway
77
%
graduates still
competing
30
%
competing at
elite level
5
+
specialist
programmes
find your pathway
Welcome to the Motorsport UK Academy – a talent pathway for motorsport’s high potential young athletes providing the UK’s future stars with opportunities to learn, develop and thrive.
Girls Karting Academy
The Girls Karting Academy programme is an initiative designed to get girls aged 8-15 enjoying motorsport more often!
The programme provides a safe and inclusive space for newcomers and rookies to come and give Motorsport a go. Delivered with TeamSport indoor Karting, the girls karting academy run taster days at 14 different venues across the country. Providing a mixture of on track learning, as well as some off-track games and support.
BOOK TOUR TASTER DAY HERE
The first rung on the ladder for talented young karters.
Technical Development
This one-year development programme identifies and supports talented karters aged 12-16 currently competing in karting, who demonstrate exceptional potential to progress through the competitors’ pathway and beyond. Through a combination of discipline specific workshops, online events, 1:1 support and specialist practitioner workshops, drivers will be provided with the opportunity to progress and develop both personally and professionally within the sport.
Holistic Development
Holistic development is at the heart of the academy programme. This aids the driver’s development off track with impartial delivery. This includes subjects such as:
- Sport psychology
- Nutrition
- Social media
- Physical preparation
- Engineering
- Commercial & Sponsorship
- Management
- Industry insights
Values
As the sports National Governing Body, Motorsport UK upholds the highest expectations of its athletes. Hard work, commitment and determination are the foundations of every successful driver in our sport, and the academy looks to develop these values through the training it provides within the development programme.
"My biggest learning from the Academy, is that regardless of being on the track, you are a team in the classroom, and we should all pull together to help one another. I have learned how to push yourself to achieve something you have never done before."
William Antrobus,
Enhanced DiSE, 2025-27
A variety of partner locations, as well as delivery at Motorsport UK’s HQ in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
You must be between 12 and 16 years old at the start of the programme (February 2026).
To be eligible for the programme, you must hold a valid Motorsport UK Competition Licence (a BIKC (KI) licence does not meet this requirement) and be regularly competing in Motorsport UK-permitted activity throughout the duration of the programme.
Karting
- Drivers who are regularly competing at a high level in Motorsport UK-permitted Championships will be considered.
- Applicants must be able to provide evidence of performance, such as lap times, results, telemetry, or onboard footage that demonstrates driving potential.
- Current permitted championships (Karting – Click here to view)
For full details on the wider eligibility criteria, see the Motorsport UK Selection Policy (updated December 2025).
Applications are now open until Friday 30th January 2026. Applications will be reviewed and selections made by Friday 27th February 2026.
Applications are submitted through an online form, and full details, including access to the form itself, are available here.
The programme is delivered free of charge. Applicants are responsible for organising their own transport to and from events.
The applicant will act as a representative of Motorsport UK. They will be required to complete an Athlete Agreement form at the start of the programme and abide by the behaviours and expectations. They will be expected to attend all sessions and uphold the values of the sport.
Developing Race and Speed drivers
Technical Development
This one-year Race Academy Programme provides drivers aged 15-24 with high quality development to take their racing careers to the next level. Our performance partner, iZone Driver Performance, deliver hands on coaching designed to improve driver consistency and technical skills with their state-of-the-art facilities and coaching expertise. The use of eye tracking equipment enables drivers to gain insight into understanding the fundamentals of driving performance. Coupled with practical sport psychology delivery, which is embedded within development programmes, drivers receive the training required to excel on track.
Holistic Development
Holistic development is at the heart of the academy programme. This aids the driver’s development off track with impartial delivery. This includes subjects such as:
- Sport psychology
- Physical preparation
- Management
- Nutrition
- Engineering
- Industry insights
- Social media
- Commercial & Sponsorship
Values
As the sports National Governing Body, Motorsport UK upholds the highest expectations of its athletes. Hard work, commitment and determination are the foundations of every successful driver in our sport, and the academy looks to develop these values through the training it provides within the development programme.
""Being chosen by Motorsport UK Academy to represent the organisation gave me a lot of confidence that they believed in me to compete at high levels...this programme has been really good for me in terms of developing every aspect of motorsport, the fitness side...the nutritional side, the psychological side, it's really helped me in all aspects...it's really helped me come on and catch up with those at the front!"
Jasmine Shaw,
Futures 2024-25
A variety of partner locations, as well as delivery at Motorsport UK’s HQ in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
You must be between 15 and 24 years old at the start of the programme (February 2026).
To be eligible for the programme, you must hold a valid Motorsport UK Competition Licence (an RS Clubman licence does not meet this requirement) and be regularly competing in a Motorsport UK permitted activity throughout the duration of the programme.
Circuit Racing Licence holders
- Must be regularly competing at a high level in Motorsport UK-permitted Championships.
- Must be able to provide evidence of performance, such as lap times, results, telemetry, or onboard footage that demonstrates driving potential.
For further information on the wider eligibility criteria, see the Motorsport UK Selection Policy (updated December 2025).
Applications for 2026 have now closed. Please click here to sign up for future updates regarding the academy.
Applications are submitted through an online form, and full details, including access to the form itself, are available here.
The programme is delivered free of charge. Applicants are responsible for organising their own transport to and from events.
The applicant will act as a representative of Motorsport UK. They will be required to complete an Athlete Agreement form at the start of the programme and abide by the behaviours and expectations. They will be expected to attend all sessions and uphold the values of the sport.
DEVELOPING RALLY & CO-DRIVERS
Technical Development
This one-year development programme identifies and supports talented drivers and co-drivers, aged between 15-28, currently competing in rally, who demonstrate exceptional potential to progress through the competitors’ pathway and beyond. Alongside providing technical development sessions in writing pace notes, practising recces and creating service schedules, it also looks at areas to develop such as media skills, fitness and sport psychology.
The programme is working in partnership with the World Rally Championship (WRC) Team, M-Sport, to further enhance their skills. The partnership will aim to support the next generation of world-class drivers and co-drivers, giving opportunities to provide relevant industry insight and experiences, leading to dual-career pathways.
Holistic Development
Holistic development is at the heart of the academy programme. This aids the driver’s development off track with impartial delivery. This includes subjects such as:
- Sport psychology
- Physical preparation
- Management
- Nutrition
- Engineering
- Industry insights
- Social media
- Commercial & Sponsorship
Values
As the sport's National Governing Body, Motorsport UK upholds the highest expectations of its athletes. Hard work, commitment and determination are the foundations of every successful driver in our sport, and the academy looks to develop these values through the training it provides within the development programme.
"It's been really good being associated with Motorsport UK Academy, meeting all different types of people some from circuit racing and some from rallying...it's been a really good experience."
Thomas Milne,
Futures 2024-25
A variety of partner locations, as well as delivery at Motorsport UK’s HQ in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
You must be between 15 and 28 years old at the start of the programme (February 2026).
To be eligible for the programme, you must hold a valid Motorsport UK Competition Licence and be regularly competing in Motorsport UK-permitted activity throughout the duration of the programme.
Rally Licence Holders
- Must be regularly competing at a high level in Motorsport UK-permitted stage rallying.
- Must be able to provide evidence of performance, such as stage times, results, telemetry, or onboard footage that demonstrates driving potential.
- Current permitted championships (Rally); Click here for further information.
For full details on the wider eligibility criteria, see the Motorsport UK Selection Policy (updated December 2025).
Applications are now open until Friday 30th January 2026. Applications will be reviewed and selections made by Friday 27th February 2026.
Applications are submitted through an online form, and full details, including access to the form itself, are available here.
The programme is delivered free of charge. Applicants are responsible for organising their own transport to and from events.
The applicant will act as a representative of Motorsport UK. They will be required to complete an Athlete Agreement form at the start of the programme and abide by the behaviours and expectations. They will be expected to attend all sessions and uphold the values of the sport.
Supporting Motorsport's top performing drivers.
Technical Development
The High Performance Academy supports the top performing drivers in the UK competing at the highest levels of competition within their chosen disciplines. Drivers are invited to join a bespoke one-to-one development performance programme as they compete at the sport’s top levels. The athlete-centred individualistic approach aims to give the best athletes the right support to enable them to unlock their full potential.
The programme provides a combination of individualised coaching, support and guidance along with access to regular, centralised team-based training opportunities.
These athletes are the flag bearers of the sport, reflecting and representing the three core pillars of the Motorsport UK Academy, helping to drive standards and inspiring the next generation of competitors within our sport.
The majority of the programme consists of one-to-one sessions with a Performance Coach, with a small number of camp-based workshops taking place throughout the year.
Throughout the year, Motorsport UK uses its network of talent ID to recognise high performing athletes.
The applicant will act as a representative of Motorsport UK and uphold the values and behaviours of the sport.
Supporting academic and sporting excellence.
The Motorsport UK Academy offers the Enhanced Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) course, a full-time talent development pathway programme, delivered in collaboration with Loughborough College Group. It forms the foundation of Motorsport UK’s Talent Pathway.
The programme enables drivers to develop their academic skills, whilst also continuing their own motorsport development. This unique course allows the flexibility to follow an education path tailored towards a career in motorsport.
The Enhanced DiSE programme includes:
- Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sporting Excellent and Performance
- Pearson Level 3 Extended Certificate in eSports
- Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE)
- Advanced Project-Based Certificate in Motor Vehicle Studies
The bespoke two-year programme aligns with the wider Motorsport UK Academy Talent Pathway by encompassing the three core elements to success; technical skills, holistic athlete development and high-performance values. Delivered on the Brooksby College Campus – the home of the Motorsport UK DiSE Academy.
Brooksby College Campus, part of the Loughbough College Group.
This course is aimed at students who have just completed their GCSEs and have achieved at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and Maths.
Hold a Motorsport UK Competition licence and be regularly competing in Motorsport permitted activity throughout the duration of the two-year programme.
Circuit racing licence holders
- Regularly competing at a high level in Motorsport UK permitted Championships
- Must be holding a valid Motorsport UK competition licence (an RS Clubman or KI licence does not meet this requirement).
- Must be able to evidence times, results, telemetry or onboards that show driving potential
- To check current permitted Motorsport Championships, please click here
Rally Licence Holders
- Regularly competing at a high level in Motorsport UK permitted stage rallying
- Must be able to evidence times, results, telemetry or onboards that show driving potential
- To check current permitted Motorsport Championships, please click here
Karting
- Drivers regularly competing at a high level in Motorsport UK permitted Championships will be considered
- Must be able to evidence times, results, telemetry or onboards that show driving potential
- To check current permitted Motorsport Championships, please click here
Esports
- Competing at a high level in Motorsport UK Esports Championship.
- Must be able to evidence times, results, telemetry or onboards that show driving potential
Applications for September 2026 are now OPEN and will close at 12:00pm Friday 15th May. Provisional offers will be released in June. Places are confirmed on GCSE results day, and the course officially begins in September 2026.
Applications are submitted through an online form and can be accessed here.
For any questions or queries please contact academy@motorsportuk.org
You can find more information in the FAQs section of the Loughborough College website, and we encourage you to fill out an expression of interest form.
The programme is funded by Sports Aid and is therefore delivered free of charge. Applicants are responsible for organising their own accommodation and transport to and from events.
The applicant will act as a representative of Motorsport UK. They will be required to complete an Athlete Agreement form at the start of the programme and abide by the behaviours and expectations. They will be expected to attend all sessions and uphold the values of the sport.
Motorsport UK Young Driver of the Year
Each year the top second year students are shortlisted for the Young Driver of the Year Award. Sporting excellence as well as academic performance is considered along with attainment, effort and overall engagement. The shortlisted students are invited to a final shootout at iZone Driver Performance, to compete for the title. The winner will receive the Motorsport UK Academy Young Driver of the Year trophy which is presented to them at Motorsport UK's prestigious Night of Champions ceremony.
- 2025: Ewan Thomas
- 2024: Connor Clifford
- 2023: Marcus Littlewood
- 2021: Patrick O’Donovan
- 2020: Alessandro Ceronetti
- 2019: Sam Neary
- 2018: Joe Turney
- 2017: William Tregurtha
- 2016: Lewis Brown
- 2015: Ben Tuck
- 2014: Sam Bilham
- 2013: Sennan Fielding
- 2012: Chris Ingram
- 2011: Josh Webster
- 2010: Jake Cook
Start your
Academy journey.
Whether you're an athlete ready to apply, a parent finding out more, or a prospective partner, start the conversation here.
LATEST NEWS
Articles, announcements and driver stories from across the Motorsport UK Academy.
Motorsport UK and the British Racing Drivers’ Club unite to power the next generation of British motorsport talent
Britain's two leading motorsport organisations join forces to create the BRDC Driver Academy powered by Motorsport UK
ETHAN JEFF-HALL CROWNED 2026 MOTORSPORT UK ACADEMY YOUNG DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Wera Tools F4 British Championship title challenger Ethan Jeff-Hall has won the Motorsport UK Academy Young Driver of the Year following a shootout at iZone Driver Performance.
ACADEMY GRADUATES OUT IN FORCE AT LE MANS
When it comes to winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the world’s most famous and prestigious endurance race – British drivers have enjoyed unrivalled success… as indeed they have in capturing F1 World Championship crowns.
MOTORSPORT UK ACADEMY MEMBER PALMOWSKI COMPLETES MONTREAL DOUBLE
Motorsport UK Academy member Alisha Palmowski will return home for the next rounds of the F1 Academy season with a commanding championship lead following a record-breaking performance in Montreal, Canada.
Powered by our partners
The Academy is supported by a community of partners working at the very top of motorsport. Their expertise, facilities and investment make the programme possible, and we're always open to new conversations.
Performance Partners
Education Partners
Become an Academy partner
Support the next generation of British motorsport talent. Tell us how you'd like to get involved.