UTC Oxfordshire becomes the first school in the UK to open a state-of-the art Cryogenics Laboratory

We are excited to officially open the state-of-the-art Cryogenics Laboratory; a first for a UK school.

In planning since April 2015, and brainchild of John Vandore (Trustee of the British Cryogenics Council), the cryogenics laboratory will be used by students to enhance their employer-led projects and science curriculum. Ahead of their first project in November, students will visit facilities at The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to find out more about the benefits of, and uses for, cryogenics.

Building on relationships with businesses and organisations, the UTC was able to create this unique opportunity –which was in planning from early on in the school build. Annette Jonathan, science technician led the project, with the support of Quantum Cryogenics, DY Assist, LTI Metaltech, STFC, University of Southampton, British Cryogenics Council, Proactive Gas Safety, Goetze, and AirProducts, who all worked together to ensure the safe and effective provision of the innovative school cryogenics laboratory.

Although the laboratory was built into the school plans, it has taken three and a half years of planning, procurement and testing to ensure the success of this ambitious project.

Ed Vaizey (MP) “Once again the UTC is proving a trailblazer for secondary schools in the UK. I am thrilled that they are opening a first school cryogenics laboratory in the country. This fabulous facility will provide its students with a unique chance to study this important field of science.”

Nigel Tipple (CEO OxLEP) – “It is vitally important that education providers and businesses work closely together. The opening of UTC Oxfordshire’s cryogenics laboratory will inspire young people to consider and investigate a career in the cryogenics industry – an industry with global impact at the heart of Oxfordshire.”

UTC Oxfordshire is an innovative, employer-focused, high-tech school for students aged from 14 to 19, specialising in science and engineering. In 2018 it achieved an Ofsted rated ‘Good’ grade. UTC Oxfordshire is different to an existing traditional school – we deliver first class education in an environment that feels like the workplace. This is achieved by delivering the curriculum through employer-led projects which tackle real industry issues.

About Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET): Activate Learning Education Trust is a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) established by Activate Learning.

We deliver excellence in education and transform lives through learning by providing exciting and innovative education for young people. Activate Learning is the sponsor for Activate Learning Education Trust, which is run with the support of a number of industry and academic partners.

ALET SCHOOLS: Bicester Technology Studio | Theale Green School | The Bicester School | | UTC Oxfordshire | UTC Reading | UTC Swindon | UTC Heathrow

GROUP MEMBERS: Activate Apprenticeships  |  Activate Business School | ATG Training | Banbury and Bicester College  |  Bicester Technology Studio  |  City of Oxford College  |  Reading College  |  Theale Green School |  The Bicester School  |  The Oxford Partnership Colleges (Saudi Arabia)  |  UTC Oxfordshire  |  UTC Reading |  UTC Swindon