New STEM Horizons programme launches to tackle critical shortage of specialist STEM teachers and transform tech career opportunities.

Written By Hg

London, UK – [9th October 2025]: On its fifth anniversary, The Hg Foundation today launches STEM Horizons, its flagship initiative connecting independent and state schools to transform opportunities in STEM education for students from lower-income backgrounds.

STEM Horizons tackles a critical challenge in UK education: significant shortages of specialist STEM teachers. This gap hits students from lower-income backgrounds hardest, limiting their future education and career opportunities in technology sectors. The programme creates a national network of strategic partnerships between independent and state schools, initially focused on Computer Science—a subject where teaching shortages are particularly acute.

The initiative specifically targets Year 8-11 students (ages 13-16) who are in schools with above average levels of disadvantage. For many of these young people, particularly girls and those from low-income backgrounds, tech pathways can seem inaccessible. STEM Horizons is about broadening horizons—showing students the diverse and exciting career possibilities that Computer Science can unlock.

A Comprehensive Partnership Model

STEM Horizons creates a network of expert teachers and shared resources between the independent and state schools, creating pathways to future education and career opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. Through the hub-and-spoke model and comprehensive support system, the programme is driving three key outcomes:

  • Improved GCSE Computer Science grades for all participants, with special focus on girls and students from low-income backgrounds

  • Increased take-up of STEM subjects at A-level and degree level

  • Increased understanding of the career pathways from computer science and other STEM subjects

The programme also hopes to develop a scalable partnership model that can be expanded to other STEM subjects nationwide.

The Hub-and-Spoke Model

At the heart of the first phase of the programme are five independent schools serving as expert hubs. Each hub works with a community of local state schools, sharing expertise, resources and joining forces to drive improved STEM outcomes. This creates powerful educational connections which will benefit over 1,150 GCSE students, with an additional 1,500 students participating in the Year 9 Bright Sparks programme.

University College School (London), Royal Grammar School (RGS) (Newcastle), Oundle School, Magdalen College School (Oxford) and Norwich School are all involved in delivering the pilot. RGS Newcastle serves as our Lead Hub School, coordinating operations across the network.

  • Ian Davenport, Programme Director of STEM Horizons and founder and former CEO of the Royal National Children SpringBoard Foundation, said: "This programme is inspired by the genuine enthusiasm of participating schools to create and sustain meaningful and collaborative structures. We have the realistic ambition to build a nationwide network of independent-state school STEM partnerships focussed on raising the aspiration and attainment of students from low-income backgrounds and girls, groups which have hitherto been underrepresented in the tech industry. Importantly, each partnership will be underpinned by thorough impact evaluation. We aim to scale the programme quickly and effectively in the coming years.”

John Smith, Programme Manager of STEM Horizons and Director of Partnerships at RGS Newcastle, said: “This is an ambitious undertaking with the scope to make a significant impact on participants and communities. Thanks to the vision and generosity of The Hg Foundation, we have been able to fund leadership time at RGS Newcastle to manage this national project. In time, we will have placed specialist Computer Science teachers in five regional hubs, each linking with at least five partner state schools. We are laser-focused on our goals to raise attainment, uptake and career aspirations in computing. Furthermore, we aim to show that this cross-sector model is truly scalable and transferable to other subjects."

Geoffrey Stanford, Headteacher of RGS Newcastle, said: “We are delighted to bring the innovative STEM Horizons programme to the North-East, a region where educational outcomes lag behind the rest of the country. Through our wider partnerships programme, we have seen the power of authentic collaboration between schools, which can meaningfully boost attainment and access to opportunity for all involved. The rigorous independent evaluation of this pilot project by NFER makes it particularly exciting as a template for future cross-sector programmes in STEM and beyond.”

Mr Andrew Thelwell, Principal at Bede Academy, said: “'Bede Academy is proud to be part of this STEM Horizons partnership as we continue to develop a high quality and innovative Computer Science curriculum that will inspire more and more of our students to access and pursue Computer Science qualifications and careers. This is part of our ongoing efforts to support all students to achieve the highest possible standards in this transformational subject.”

Steffan Griffiths Headmaster at Norwich School, said: “With our strong tradition as a force for good in the local community, Norwich School is delighted to be joining with The Hg Foundation to enable pupils from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds in schools across Norfolk to access computer science qualifications and the pathways that lead to careers in technology. Our balance of timeless values and a modern mission puts us in a strong position to open doors for young people to flourish in an increasingly digital world.”

Samantha McGonigle, Partner & General Counsel at Hg and who sits on the STEM Horizons board, said: “At Hg, we invest in technology businesses that rely on a strong, diverse pipeline of talent to grow and succeed. STEM Horizons directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges our portfolio companies face: the shortage of skilled STEM professionals. By supporting this programme, we are helping to widen access to opportunity and ensure that the tech workforce of tomorrow reflects the diversity and innovation needed to sustain long-term growth.”

About The Hg Foundation: The Hg Foundation’s vision is that the tech workforce of the future harnesses the talents of all, regardless of background. It supports education and employment-based programs across the UK, Europe and North America. Since it was launched in 2020, it has committed over $40m to programs that will reach over 70,000 young people and adults from under-represented backgrounds. The Hg Foundation is registered Charity no. 1189216. Find out more at www.thehgfoundation.com

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