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Secondary School Programme

Science Oxford’s STEM Careers Programme is designed to inspire secondary school students, ages 11 – 18, about careers in STEM.

Through first-hand experiences and interactive activities, students will:

  • Develop skills while engaging with real-world research and technology development;
  • Meet scientists and STEM professionals from local businesses to learn about different career paths;
  • Gain valuable insight into the many routes into STEM careers;
  • Be empowered to make positive and informed choices about their future.

Launching over 2025/2026, our new programme will expose students to careers centred around our four themes: Climate, Digital, Engineering and Global Health. Collaborating with STEM-sector employers throughout Oxfordshire, young people will be able to experience real-world challenges, hands-on activities, and inspiring insights into future careers across science, technology, engineering, and maths.

For queries about the STEM Careers Programme, please get in touch with STEM Careers Lead Ronnie Guthrie at [email protected].

If you would like to stay up to date with news about our STEM Careers Programme, subscribe to our newsletter.

Upcoming events

STEM Insight Days

Apply here

Would you like to find out what it’s really like to work in STEM?

For Years 10 and 11
Dates: 28th and 29th October 2025 (students are required to attend both days)
Times: 9:30am – 4.30pm daily
Venue: Science Oxford Centre, Headington, OX3 8SB, with trips to external businesses in Oxfordshire
Free to attend | Limited places | Apply by 5th October 2025

 

Our STEM Insight Days aim to inspire Year 10 and 11 students about STEM careers.

 Over two action-packed days, you’ll:

  • Go behind the scenes at leading STEM companies in Oxfordshire, including:
    • Oxford Instruments – Find out more about their work engineering high technology tools and systems for research and industry
    • Vertex’s Learning Lab – Find out more about biotech in the pharmaceutical industry and global health innovation
  • Hear first-hand from experts from STEM businesses and research institutions. Ask them anything! Discover diverse roles and interesting career journeys
  • Take part in hands-on workshops with STEM businesses, develop skills and experience real research
  • Meet other students, like you, who are interested in science and tech.

Who is it for?

Whether you’ve found your passion and have ideas of what you’d like to do in the future, or you’re still looking, this event is for you. We’re looking for students who are:

  • Passionate about STEM subjects
  • Considering STEM for further study or a career
  • Looking for more insight into local STEM industries
  • Motivated, committed and ready to dive in!

How to apply

  • You must be in Year 10 or 11, or of equivalent age if home educated
  • You must either live or attend school in Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire
  • You must be studying three STEM subjects at GCSE level (Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design and Technology)
  • You must be able to attend both days in full

 Apply by 5th October 

Apply here

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide:

  • Details of current study (school year, STEM subjects studied, additional info)
  • Details of any additional support you may need
  • Parental consent

What happens next?

Applications will be reviewed by our team. Priority will be given to students from groups under-represented in STEM (such as those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic minority groups and girls) who attend state schools in the East of Oxford area.

You’ll hear by email whether you have a place during the week of the 6th October.

Students who attend the event will be required to abide by Science Oxford’s Behaviour Policy

For any questions relating to the Science Oxford STEM Insight Days, please contact [email protected].