We are hugely excited to announce that a brand-new, industry-backed sixth form is opening at Discovery Park in September 2026: Carbon 6 Academy of Science.
Discovery Park is tackling the UK’s STEM skills shortage at its source. As the first specialist sixth form in the UK to be embedded within a science park, Carbon 6 will give students unique access to state-of-the-art professional laboratories, alongside mentoring and guest lectures from Discovery Park’s onsite companies.
Designed for ambitious students aged 16–18 with a passion for science and maths, the academy equips young people with the knowledge, hands-on experience and pathways to succeed through apprenticeships, university study, and ultimately careers in STEM. The name reflects our ambition: Carbon is the sixth element in the periodic table and the chemical backbone of life, representing a foundational education which enables students to build extraordinary futures.
The UK Science Minister, Lord Vallance, recognises the strategic importance of this new academy: “Immersing students into this thriving scientific and business community will inspire the next generation of innovators, essential for the future of these industries, and give young people the vital skills for the careers our economy needs.”
The South East has the highest levels of life sciences employment of any region in the UK, yet skills shortages remain a critical challenge for Kent businesses. Carbon 6 addresses this gap head-on, creating a talent pipeline for the sector’s future.
As CEO of one of Kent’s key STEM employment zones, I am passionate about developing the expertise needed by our regional economy. Applications are now open via Kent Choices for the first Year 12 intake for September 2026, offering A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths.
Our commitment to developing leaders extends beyond education, to entrepreneurs and founders. Discovery Park also runs the ‘Discovery Spark’ business growth programme, bridging the gap between science and business by providing early-stage startups with the tools, mindset, and strategy to build thriving companies.
The fifth cohort culminated in a pitch day, where companies in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health competed for investment of up to £250K from Zinc VC. While we await the announcement of the investment winner, the real victory was already evident in the room—every company demonstrated remarkable growth and strong pitch delivery that reflected just how far they’ve come. Watching these founders grow reinforces why we’re committed to teaching the business skills that turn great science into successful ventures.
Whether you’re a student eager to learn, an entrepreneur ready to scale, or an established business seeking collaboration, Discovery Park’s community of over 180 companies offers the ecosystem to thrive. We’re currently offering incentives for new office tenants hoping to join our innovation hub in Sandwich, Kent.
To explore opportunities, contact us at info@discovery-park.com.
