This year, St Paul’s Way (SPW) hosted their annual Science Summer School 2026, once again brought together students from schools across the Tower Hamlets borough and our Trust for an unforgettable celebration of science. This year’s theme was ‘Everyone is a Scientist’ it encouraged every student to see themselves as capable of inquiry, discovery and innovation.

The event welcomed renowned science communicator Professor Brian Cox alongside Lord Mawson, who both returned to inspire students and highlight why the United Kingdom remains one of the best places in the world to study science.

Their sessions provided students with powerful insights into the wonders of the universe and the importance of curiosity in scientific progress.

A wide range of guest speakers contributed to the programme, including Corrie Mayne, Dave Neale, Jim Perks, Lord Ravendale, Maria Rossini and Solveiga Pakštaitė. Each shared their expertise and personal journeys, helping students understand the many different career pathways available within science and related industries.

Students took part in an exceptional range of workshops and experiences. These included organ dissection, investigations into the properties of dry ice, and opportunities to handle live animals such as snakes, lizards and meerkats. They also explored robotics through demonstrations featuring advanced robotic dogs, giving students a glimpse into the future of technology and engineering.

Networking sessions were supported by key partners and workshop leads including the NHS, Queen Mary University of London, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the University of Greenwich and HSBC, who delivered engaging coding workshops and career discussions.

SPW Sixth Form students also benefited from an exclusive session with Professor Brian Cox, deepening their scientific understanding and ambition.

The event concluded with an inspiring tea party with Brian Cox, where students had the opportunity to ask questions directly and reflect on their experiences.

The Science Summer School 2026 was a landmark event, demonstrating the scale of ambition within the Trust and the power of collaboration between education and industry. It left students inspired, motivated and excited about their future in science.

We would also like to thank the generosity of our funders, the Tasso Foundation, RMG Associates and the Aldgate and Allhallows Foundation. It is thanks to their continued support that we are able to deliver this successful event year after year, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment, generosity and belief in our work.

This experience reflects the our trusts mission of providing transformational education for all. By giving students access to world leading scientists, hands on experiences and real world career pathways, we are ensuring every young person can develop the curiosity, confidence and ambition needed to transform their future.