The Hg Foundation has developed a new initiative to bring together independent and state schools to improve STEM attainment and build future tech pathways.  In its pilot phase it will work with over 1,100 students to improve grades in Computer Science GCSE, as well as building aspirations for a further 1,500 students, all drawn from schools serving more disadvantaged areas.  It promises to develop into one of the largest, most focused, and rigorously evaluated partnerships of its type in the UK.

Find out more: STEM Horizons | Building tomorrow's tech leaders today

Through STEM Horizons, dedicated Computer Science teachers, based in five hub independent schools, work with ~25 state schools with high proportions of students from low income backgrounds to deliver a two-year programme of support.  Provision will total almost 100 hours of activity and include weekly hybrid lessons, peer mentoring, academic seminars, maths support and a range of enrichment activities. The National Foundation for Education Research are conducting a robust, independent evaluation of the programme focused on improvements in the core outcome of GCSE attainment, and are also looking at the impact on education and career aspirations. 

A complementary ‘Bright Sparks’ programme works with year 9 students (age 13/14) to support more young people in partner schools, especially girls, to choose computing GCSE. 

The first strand of STEM Horizons began in autumn 2025 and is focused on Computing, as the subject with the greatest shortage of specialist teachers.  It is hoped in time that the programme could grow to support attainment in other STEM subjects and into further and higher education.  The programme is supported by a steering committee of current and former headteachers from the state and independent sectors, as well as other advisors.