- Aston University has received official approval to establish a multi-academy trust.
- It will be called Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust
- Will consist of Aston University Sixth Form and Engineering Academy, Aston University Mathematics School and the Goldsmiths’ Institute.
Aston University has received official approval to establish a multi-academy trust.
The Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust will consist of the existing Aston University Sixth Form and Engineering Academy, which is a University Training College (UTC) and the soon-to-be opened Aston University Mathematics School, alongside jewellery skills training centre, the Goldsmiths’ Institute.
The schools have been designed to provide young people with educational opportunities to prepare them for careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related industries. Aston University Mathematics School (AUMS), which is due to open in September 2025 will focus on 16- to 19-year-olds who have a talent for maths and will be the maths school for the West Midlands.
This new development is linked to the University’s 2030 strategy which states a commitment to support and improve the lives of people in its surrounding communities, within Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University said:
“This marks a significant milestone in our journey to transform and lead STEM education across the region.
“We have an unwavering commitment to nurturing regional talent, fostering innovation and creating opportunities that will benefit our community and region for generations to come.
“By establishing this trust, we reaffirm our leadership role in driving educational excellence and impact and contributing to the prosperity of the West Midlands.”
The regional director for education and the West Midlands Advisory Board approved the University’s application to sponsor a multi-trust academy on 24 October. This will become official on 31 January. Aston University Sixth Form and Engineering Academy will formally join on 30 April. Meanwhile AUM which is currently officially classed as a pre-opening school will open its doors to its first 75 students to start classes in September 2025.
Last year the University acquired the National College for Advanced Transport and Infrastructure building, which is next to Aston University Engineering Academy, and within the Birmingham Innovation Quarter. This allows all the multi-academy trust buildings to be based in one location.
Daniel Locke-Wheaton, executive principal of Aston University’s UTC and Aston University Mathematics school led the 12-month accreditation process. He said: “The Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust will bring together all of our cutting-edge facilities to provide a learning environment that will equip all of our students to develop the skills they will need to thrive in modern higher education and working environments.
“It will provide an exceptional education to currently under-supported students in the West Midlands and will strengthen regional awareness of career opportunities available to young people regionally, specifically local communities around Aston University.”
It is 12 years since Aston University Engineering Academy, Birmingham’s first university technical college, opened its doors and has since provided hundreds of 14 to 19-year-olds the opportunity to gain qualifications for careers in science and engineering.
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk