Chris Hillidge's public profile

I'm currently responsible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) Strategy across The Challenge Academy Trust.

I'm a Specialist Leader of Education for the DfE focussed on STEM and Science.

I lead school to school support for the trust alongside curriculum development for the 8000 TCAT learners aged 4 -19.

I achieved STEM Assured status for Beamont Collegiate Academy in 2016, making BCA the first & only UK Academy to achieve this prestigious accolade.

I lead the Science Learning Partnership for Merseyside & Warrington for STEM learning UK - delivering high quality Science CPD to thousands of teachers across the region.

In addition I set up and developed Warrington’s Coder Dojo - a unique development that’s grown to be one of the largest across the world. I was the co-organiser of World DojoCon 2017.

I co-designed & delivered an award winning STEM Education/ Industry collaboration with United Utilities that is now in its 3rd Year. It has won various national awards in both the education & industry spheres.

I’m currently working on an innovative long term project with Oxford University to increase the number of disadvantaged students moving into STEM degrees at Elite Universities.

I'm also Director of the UK's only Fablab in a school setting. This development jointly overseen by MIT is an industry specification design and manufacturing facility. The combination of education, enterprise, creativity & manufacturing is unique in t UK education. Industry partners include Autodesk & RS Components amongst many others. A partnership with Salford University Masters Prosthetics program is a productive and innovative development.

I'm a member of the Skills forum, a partnership between Warrington Borough Council & major employers to look at emerging trends in the labour market.

Part of my Senior Leadership Role is to be responsible for Quality Assurance across BCA developing innovative E-learning & supporting High Level Learners.