The University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University have joined forces with six local state secondary schools to establish the Oxfordshire STEM Degree Apprenticeship Collaborative, an innovative education-to-industry pathway designed to provide fully funded degree-level qualifications in robotics, computer science, and biomedical engineering for local school leavers. The landmark partnership was formally signed at the Oxford Brookes Headington Hill campus during a regional education symposium attended by education leaders, science park executives, and civic representatives.
Under the multi-year program, participating students from secondary schools including The Oxford Academy in Littlemore, Cherwell School, Cheney School, and Didcot Girls’ School will complete intensive preparatory foundation courses during Year 12 and 13, before transitioning directly into paid degree apprenticeships hosted at world-class science parks across Oxfordshire, including Harwell Campus, Culham Science Centre, and Begbroke Science Park.
Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, emphasized the social mobility impact of the initiative. “Oxfordshire is internationally celebrated as a powerhouse of scientific research and technological innovation, yet historically, many young people growing up in our local communities have felt disconnected from these high-skilled opportunities,” Professor Fitt remarked. “This collaborative framework bridges that gap completely. By removing tuition debt and combining rigorous university instruction with hands-on industrial mentorship, we are cultivating homegrown technological talent right here in our city.”
Industry partners backing the program include leading high-tech employers such as Tokamak Energy, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Apprentices will earn a competitive starting salary while spending four days a week embedded in research teams and one day a week completing structured university degree modules, graduating after four years with a debt-free Bachelor of Science or Master of Engineering degree.
Nora Vance, Head of Sixth Form at The Oxford Academy, welcomed the transformative opportunities created for local families. “For many of our first-generation university aspirants, the cost of living and rising higher education debt present daunting hurdles,” Vance explained. “Having direct, structured routes into prestigious institutions like Brookes and Oxford University, combined with paid employment at world-class laboratories, is completely life-changing for our students.”
The first official cohort of 60 apprentices will commence their placements in September 2027. Information evenings, practical portfolio workshops, and application coaching clinics for Year 11 and 12 students and their parents will take place throughout October at the City of Oxford College campus.
