Our strategy outlines our goal to be a world leader in attracting the next generation to science, technology, engineering, medicine and business (STEMB) and supporting them on their STEMB journey through life.
It's clear that the students have thrived and we are thrilled to see such impressive results from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Maths School's first graduating cohort. Professor Maggie Dallman Associate Provost (Societal Engagement)
This includes students at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Maths School – an innovative sixth form that nurtures STEMB students. To celebrate the new academic year, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø welcomed the latest year 12 cohort to the South Kensington Campus. Here, they took part in practical activities in the Chemical Kitchen and the Wohl Reach Out Lab to celebrate the beginning of their journey with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. Meanwhile, the school celebrated the graduation of its first year 13 intake with five students securing places to study here at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø has also secured a £500,000 grant from the Maths Degrees for the Future programme. Launched by the Campaign for Mathematical Sciences, the programme is intended to create ‘next-gen’ degrees that connect foundational mathematics to key applications in AI and data.
Scholarships and societal engagement
A cornerstone of our commitment to broadening access to STEMB education is the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Bursary, one of the most generous schemes of its kind in the UK. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø spent £10 million during the year supporting home students with a household income of less than £70,000, with 28% of home students receiving such support.
Students are also able to benefit from other specific scholarships available across the university, like the generously gifted Sir Michael Uren Medicine Scholarship, for outstanding young researchers pursuing interdisciplinary work across Medicine, or the new Lord Robert May Scholarship, announced this year.
This new scholarship, launched with a donation of £375,000 honouring Lord Robert May’s legacy, will support Master's students in epidemiology and computational ecology. In addition, in 2024–25, we spent £14.9 million (2023–24: £14.6 million) on access and participation activities to ensure all of our students fulfil their potential.
Scholarships have a huge influence on a student's motivation to succeed at university. When I received my scholarship, it felt like someone believed in my ability to succeed. Jayden Jackson Aeronautical Engineering student and recipient of the Cowrie Scholarship
We have published a new access and participation plan for 2025–26 to 2028–29, approved by the Office for Students, with a focus on supporting the disparate needs of students from a range of diverse backgrounds through our 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Class of 2030 initiative.
We are also investing in our student support services with £2.0 million spent on mental health in 2024–25 (2023–24: £1.9 million). We plan to invest a further £700,000 in student counselling and mental health services in 2025–26, including in a new triage service as well as investment in intervention.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø has also established a Centre for Societal Engagement, with a vision to ignite curiosity for science in society and drive transformative inclusion. Read more about the Centre.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø Lifelong Learning
Heather Haseley joined 51³Ô¹ÏÍø as Chief Lifelong Learning Officer in April 2025. She will have overall responsibility for the management of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Lifelong Learning, which is designed to extend 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's reach beyond traditional degree programmes.
During the year, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Lifelong Learning deepened its role as a catalyst for world-class education, delivering programmes that respond to the evolving needs of learners and educators of all ages.
Expanding Executive Education
We introduced a new portfolio of online programmes designed for senior leaders – including bespoke courses for Chief Finance Officers, Chief Technology Officers, and Chief Executive Officers – equipping decision-makers with the skills to thrive in a fast-changing landscape.
Strategic international collaboration
We confirmed a three-year partnership with Trumptech, Hong Kong’s premier digital education provider, to develop cutting-edge online science resources aligned with the territory’s new primary science curriculum.
Global STEMB opportunities
Our inaugural STEMB Undergraduate Summer Schools now welcome undergraduate students from across the globe, offering an immersive experience that bridges science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and business.
Through these initiatives, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø continues to expand its global footprint, inspire innovation, and empower lifelong learners to upskill and reskill.
WE Innovate 2025
Aeropod (by Muju Earth), a soil regeneration startup from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and Dainty Grace, an innovative lingerie startup from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), each won first prizes of £15,000 in the WE Innovate 2025 final.
500+ women supported through WE Innovate to date.
WE Innovate is 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's competition for women-led startups that supports the next generation of women entrepreneurs by helping them develop new businesses.
This year, the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Enterprise Lab programme was run in partnership with QUB and marked the launch of WE Innovate National, a nationwide initiative to unlock the power of women’s entrepreneurship at universities across the UK.