Bedford School student Simon Beal came top in L’Oréal’s Young Scientist of the Year competition run by The Royal Institution. Simon, along with fellow classmates James Hughes and Peter Whalley, took part in the final after gaining places on the basis of outstanding written work, submitted earlier in the year.
During the finals, held at the Royal Institution (Ri), the competitors were challenged to complete tasks using electromagnetism in honour of inventor Michael Faraday.
Marking 200 years since Faraday completed his invention in the Royal Institution labs, the 16 finalists were asked to build and test two different types of electric motor to demonstrate an understanding of the application of electricity.
They then made wind turbines and tested their efficiency in order to highlight the importance of sustainable energy in the 21st Century.
The finalists in this year's competition were also given the rare opportunity to inspect one of Faraday’s first electric motors and the notebook that details his discoveries on electromagnetism.
Head Master, John Moule said, “Our congratulations go to James Hughes, Peter Whalley and, in particular, Simon Beal on their great achievements. This award bears testimony to the passion that boys and staff share for Science here at Bedford School.”