Teachers from the participating schools will also have opportunities to work with each other and STEM professionals from academia and industry, sharing ideas and receiving support throughout the project.
Kathryn Brindley-Edwards, Principal of The Bedford Sixth Form and The Corby Sixth Form, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding from the Royal Society. This grant will enable us to further inspire curiosity, creativity and ambition in STEM, giving our students access to enriching experiences that deepen their understanding in these areas. We are committed to ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, can see a future for themselves in these fields, and this investment will help us bring that vision to life.”
The Science Community Grants are a new Royal Society scheme which will see STEM organisations working with schools and colleges in areas of deprivation.
Each of the ten organisations taking part will recruit 25 schools from this autumn and work with them over the next three years.
The scheme is funded through a donation from the Julia Rausing Trust, with grants of up to £105,000 available to each organisation.
Dr Robin Webber-Jones, Deputy CEO and Executive Director of Curriculum at The Bedford College Group, said:
”BIG50 exists to help shape the future of North Northamptonshire, and this project is a great example of what that looks like in practice. By bringing schools, industry and education together, we can show young people how the science they learn in the classroom connects to real careers on their doorstep. We’re delighted to be working with the Royal Society to make that happen.”
Find out more about the Royal Society’s Science Community Grants programme here: https://royalsociety.org/news/2026/09/science-community-grants/
