TV presenter and physicist Brian Cox heaped praise on a newly-opened school in Didcot while inspiring children in the science labs.

The BBC’s Stargazing Live star helped pupils out with experiments at UTC Oxfordshire yesterday before delivering a speech to more than 200 guests.

The school, which has around 150 pupils, opened in September and works with industry partners such as MINI Plant Oxford to prepare pupils for a career in science and engineering.

The school’s lead sponsor, Activate Learning, also works with IT company RM Education and the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Professor Cox said: “The facilities on offer here make this school unique. Given the importance of science and engineering the idea of a school like this is obvious.”