Connecting Paddington students to a future in life sciences
Organised in partnership by Paddington Life Sciences and the Grand Union BID, and supported by MedCity and London & Partners, the events reflect a shared commitment to inspiring and developing local talent for one of London’s fastest-growing sectors.
Interactive workshops and careers fair
On Wednesday 19 November, students at King Solomon Academy (KSA) attended interactive workshops and a careers fair, connecting them with local employers and highlighting the career pathways available – many of which are on the doorstep locally within Paddington’s growing life sciences hub centred around St Mary’s Hospital.
The workshops were followed by a drop-in careers fair for Year 10 and Sixth Form students. Here, pupils met even more local employers, asked questions about different career pathways, and discovered opportunities for apprenticeships, mentoring, work experience, and entry-level roles.
Some of central London’s biggest employers stepped up to inspire the next generation of scientists:
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- Grand Union BID
- North West London Pathology
- Convatec
- Healthcare Central London
- Imperial College Health Partners
- Microsoft
- Optum
- Imperial College London
- Westminster City Council
Beth Humphreys, Principal, King Solomon Academy, said:
"Giving students the chance to explore the breadth of career opportunities in life sciences is essential for helping them make informed choices about their future. Paddington is home to a vibrant mix of employers offering exciting roles, and we’ve been delighted to welcome many of them to our careers fair at King Solomon Academy. This event gives students a unique opportunity to meet these organisations and learn about their work."
Primary pupils visit Vertex’s Learning Lab
Later in the week, Year 4 pupils from St Mary Magdalene and St Stephen’s CE School visited Vertex’s Learning Lab in Milton Park, Oxfordshire – a purpose-built facility designed to increase participation in STEM among under-represented groups. Normally reserved for local Oxfordshire partner schools, these Paddington pupils were the first from outside the region to attend.
During the visit, pupils took part in hands-on experiments, including extracting DNA from a strawberry and learning pipette techniques. This practical learning is designed to stimulate curiosity, encourage further discussion with parents and teachers, and foster a love of science.
Meachelle Rhule, Year 4 class teacher, from St Mary Magdalene & St Stephen’s CE Primary School, said:
“We are so grateful to Vertex for giving our pupils this wonderful opportunity. Experiences like this help children see how science connects to the real world and open their eyes to future careers they may never have imagined. The visit has sparked genuine curiosity about how medicines are made and how scientists make a difference to people’s health.”
Roberts Zivtins, STEAM education associate director, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, said:
“It was a real pleasure to host students from St Mary Magdalene & St Stephen’s school today for London Life Sciences Week- they were all so curious, asking great questions about how Vertex makes medicines and science more broadly. They certainly seemed like they enjoyed the practical activity, I hope the enthusiasm goes home with them and the STEM conversations continue well beyond today”
Strengthening Paddington's skills base
All participating organisations are partners of Paddington Life Sciences – a collaboration led by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust that brings together NHS, industry, community and academic organisations with a shared commitment to improve health outcomes and generate social and economic value for Paddington and beyond.
The event forms part of Paddington Life Sciences’ broader social value workstream, which aims to highlight the variety of life sciences roles available locally and support young people to access them. By working closely with schools, partners aim to ensure local students see first-hand the opportunities available on their doorstep.
Kay Buxton, chief executive of Grand Union BID, said:
“We are thrilled that our first London Life Sciences Week in Paddington has been a huge success. Grand Union BID members stepped up to create such absorbing content for pupils, who have had their first taste of careers in life sciences and been inspired by some of Paddington’s biggest names.
“Life sciences are very much part of Paddington’s DNA. The life sciences spark has been lit for many pupils this week, providing a springboard for the creation of a long-term, strategic programme between Grand Union BID, Paddington Life Sciences Partners and local schools.”
Dr Suki Balendra, director of strategic partnership for Paddington Life Sciences, said:
“Life sciences is one of the UK’s most dynamic sectors, offering a fantastic range of careers. It is critical that students are aware of these opportunities early. We’re proud of the partnerships that made this event possible and delighted to see so many local employers showcasing the breadth of roles available.”
