26 March, 2025: CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre network, has partnered with STEM Learning, a leading provider of education and careers support in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), to help bring learning to life in classrooms to several schools in Norfolk.
CityFibre has committed £150,000 over a three-year period into various STEM Learning modules, benefiting over 80 schools, with eight of these schools being in Norfolk. This is to support communities as part of the Project Gigabit footprint where CityFibre is connecting over 1.3 million homes and businesses1 across rural or hard-to-reach areas over the next five years. One of these modules, Computing Clusters, launches this month and will be delivered by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) – a Department for Education funded programme delivered by STEM Learning as part of their wide portfolio. Being part of a Computing Cluster will help to enable participating schools’ staff, ranging from teachers to leadership, to work together and provide outstanding computing education skills to their pupils.
The eight ‘Cluster’ schools taking part are: Jane Austen College, Duke of Lancaster School, Wayland Academy, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, Cromer Academy, The Thetford Academy, King Edward VII Academy and Hewett Academy. These eight schools will be supported by dedicated professional development leaders on their journey to achieve the prestigious Computing Quality Mark for their computing curriculum and will be able to collaborate with each other to share successes and transform challenges into opportunities.
Earlier this year, CityFibre announced that the partnership will also offer additional key stage 1 and 2 resources through Explorify2, available to all teachers nationwide and create opportunities for students to explore and understand careers in STEM, plus CityFibre employees will volunteer their time as STEM Ambassadors to host assemblies and webinars to educate young people on career paths within the industry. Known for its impact on teaching and learning, STEM Learning’s programmes are highly effective in elevating the quality of education and prospects for young people across the country.
It is estimated that by 2030, there will be a shortage of around one million engineers across the UK3. Historically, there have been barriers for young people to thrive in STEM subjects, such as lack of confidence in STEM subjects or lack of extra support in these subjects, and subsequently, STEM careers have seen a decline in interest amongst young people4. CityFibre, with STEM Learning, aims to address these challenges by showcasing how enriching and accessible STEM careers can be.
This partnership with STEM Learning is a key component of CityFibre’s broader ESG initiative, reflecting its dedication to social responsibility by investing in the education and future of young people.
Stacey King, Senior Partnership Manager at CityFibre, said: “Our Project Gigabit build in Norfolk is progressing fantastically and we are delighted to be engaging with these local schools through the launch of the Computing Clusters. We believe in the power of technology and education to transform lives, and, with this partnership, we aim to help these schools in Norfolk bridge the digital skills gap and help inspire the next generation of digital innovators to pursue a career in STEM.
“Our partnership with STEM Learning underlines CityFibre’s social value commitments and, as part of the Project Gigabit programme, we are investing in the future and equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.”
Emily Banks, Computer Science Subject Specialist Lead at Inspiration Trust, added: “I had previously taken advantage of some of the other professional development opportunities that the NCCE offers and had worked with some of their regional leads in developing a curriculum model for my schools. Collaboration is incredibly valuable in a subject that struggles with both recruitment and retention and the Cluster model facilitates that which is often difficult to achieve in small departments.
“I am already thoroughly enjoying the workgroup meetings which provide opportunities to pick apart the pedagogy of the subject and share ideas with a wonderful group of teachers across the country.”
Mayaz Rahman, STEM Learning’s Head of Fundraising, said: “CityFibre’s very welcome and generous donation to STEM Learning’s ENTHUSE Charitable Trust allows us to work together on this dynamic three-year plan to transform the prospects and outlook of thousands of young people.
“Primary, secondary and SEN pupils will soon feel the many benefits through improved teaching, access to equipment and links to inspiring and supportive computing professionals through the STEM Ambassador scheme. I’m really excited to see the short-term and long-term impact that this partnership will have.”
In the coming months, CityFibre will also embark on a mission to enhance the communities it serves by investing in local biodiversity programmes and establishing community funds. The partnership with STEM Learning and upcoming community initiatives underscores CityFibre’s commitment to making a tangible difference in society. Through demonstrating a commitment to social value, CityFibre is determined to create a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of CityFibre by Weber Shandwick. For further information, interviews or images, contact cityfibre@webershandwick.com
Notes to editors:
- Project Gigabit contracts underpin CityFibre’s rollout to over 1.3m subsidised and commercial premises and will see CityFibre become the principal provider of fibre infrastructure in these areas.
- https://explorify.uk/why-explorify
- https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/shortfall-of-1m-engineers-threatens-uk-infrastructure-projects
- https://www.stem.org.uk/all-news/young-people-show-declining-aspirations
About CityFibre:
CityFibre is the UK’s largest independent full fibre infrastructure platform, providing carrier-neutral digital infrastructure to its wholesale customers and enabling ultra-fast, reliable and futureproof broadband, Ethernet and 5G services to homes and businesses as well as schools, hospitals and GP surgeries. CityFibre’s full fibre network rollout targets at least a third of the UK market: at least 8 million premises.
As the UK’s most intelligent fibre network, CityFibre is trusted by major Internet Service Providers and mobile operators including TalkTalk, Three, Vodafone and Zen as well as a new generation of smaller regional ISPs dedicated to delivering full fibre broadband. In August 2024, Sky and CityFibre announced a long-term partnership that will see Sky launch broadband services on the CityFibre network.
CityFibre is based in London and is owned by funds managed by Antin Infrastructure Partners, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mubadala Investment Company, Interogo Holding and Newlight Partners.
About STEM Learning:
STEM Learning is a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising young people’s engagement and achievement in STEM. It is the largest UK provider of STEM education and careers support to schools, colleges and community groups working with young people.
Visit www.stem.org.uk @STEMLearningUK for more information.
The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) is funded by the Department for Education and supporting partners and marks a significant investment in improving the provision of computing education in England. It is delivered by STEM Learning.
Find out more: www.teachcomputing.org
https://magazines.stem.org.uk/stem-learning-impact-report-2024/full-view.html
About Project Gigabit
Project Gigabit is the UK government’s rollout of lightning-fast, reliable broadband across the UK.
The programme targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband companies’ commercial plans, reaching parts of the country that would otherwise miss out.
It will also accelerate the government’s work to break down barriers to opportunity across the UK. Our rollout will enable people to shop, bank and access public services without endless loading screens and enjoy cutting-edge tech from virtual reality to ultra-HD streaming – regardless of where they live or work.
About The Inspiration Trust
The Inspiration Trust a multi-academy trust based in Norfolk and north Suffolk. They support a family of 18 academies, train more than 40 teachers a year and offer continuing professional development (CPD) courses to teachers across the region.
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