More than 300 students in the New Forest are set to benefit from a new partnership.

A collaboration between ExxonMobil Fawley and the Salters’ Institute is bringing fresh learning opportunities in chemistry and chemical engineering to secondary schools across Hampshire and the New Forest.

ExxonMobil Fawley has pledged £225,000 to the Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry, an initiative offering hands-on laboratory learning and industry insights.

The programme, which kicked off with classroom activities, will engage more than 300 students aged 13 to 15 from 12 local schools.

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Practical STEM activities and experiments are planned.

Dame Mary Archer DBE, Salters’ Institute chair, said: "Our collaboration exemplifies the important role industry partnerships play in inspiring future scientists, and we hope to continue encouraging future talent together."

Nick Bone, site manager at ExxonMobil Fawley, said: "We want to inspire the next generation by demonstrating how much chemistry impacts our daily lives.

"These students have the potential to shape the future."