“The facilities on offer here, coupled with the level of experiments the students are completing, make this school unique.
Our country is the best in the world when it comes to the efficiency of our science research and we need more young people with the skills to sustain this position. Schools like this can help by opening up access between students and industry.”
Physicist and television presenter Brian Cox, who officially opened UTC Oxfordshire
UTC Oxfordshire, based in Didcot, opened in September 2015 from a new, purpose-built facility at Didcot’s Great Western Park. It became the county’s first UTC and provides a high-quality education option for 14 to 19-year-olds interested in a future in science or engineering.
Offering a scientifically focused and high technology education, UTC Oxfordshire supports the growth of the county’s ‘Science Vale’ and STEM employment sectors.
It was the first school in the world to offer vacuum technology (techniques essential for space research, semiconductor manufacture, particle physics research). It’s Cryogenics Laboratory, also the first of its kind in the UK, is used by students to enhance their employer led projects and science curriculum, as well as enabling technologies which support at least 17% of the UK economy.
The school’s lead industry partners are Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, RM Education, MINI Plant Oxford and IBM. Lead academic partners are Royal Holloway, University of London and University of Reading. By working with employers on industry relevant projects, students build the relevant skill sets, meet industry standards and expectations and prepare them for life in the workplace.
UTC Oxfordshire believes that it is important that students not only have an in-depth understanding of technology but that they also understand how it is used in a day-to-day environment. Students will be continually challenged in their IT skills and how to apply them in digital art, scientific work, music, humanities and sport.
