Airbus’ ‘We Build it Better’ (WBiB) programme aims to boost academic attainment among young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Airbus believes no young person should consider their background a barrier to a career in space and engineering. Partnering with The Sele School in Hertfordshire, Airbus has been delivering a practical learning programme to develop interest in STEM. The programme focuses on pupils aged 12-14 and offers interactive, exciting opportunities, transforming the classroom into a centre of innovation.
For the second year of the initiative, the programme extended even further into the school’s most vulnerable groups. A greater number of students who participated came from a lower social-economic background - 37% were in receipt of free school meals, compared to 16% in the first year. The 'We Build it Better' programme aims to break down barriers and create a more inclusive learning ecosystem, inspiring the next generation of space pioneers by linking skills to careers and developing aspiration and confidence.
Results from the second year of the WBiB scheme have again been very positive. There has been an increase in average attendance and predicted average GCSE grades, with many of the participants reporting a greater understanding of science and technology.
Kata Escott, Managing Director Airbus Defence and Space UK said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that the programme is having on young people. I am so grateful to be able to assist in helping young people open their minds to a career in STEM.”
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Beyond academic gains, the WBiB initiative has provided an immense sense of belonging and shared values among students and teachers alike. The programme has strengthened relationships and provided transferable skills, laying the foundation for multifaceted growth.
WBiB is currently being taught to a third cohort at The Sele School; the programme has been very well received and is now well-known across the local community. As a result of its success, Airbus and The Sele School recently started delivering ‘We WILL Build It Better’ (WWBIB), the primary school version, during the 2025/26 academic year. This innovative primary school curriculum has successfully expanded its reach, growing from an initial two primary schools to five.
Both WBiB and WWBiB are designed and built by FlightWorks Alabama (FWA), a non-profit partnership between Airbus and the State of Alabama, and are fully mapped to the English curriculum. Both STEM programmes underpin wider STEM engagement undertaken by Airbus Defence and space in the UK. Reaching thousands of students each year, outreach forms an important part of the development of the UK’s space ecosystem, strengthening the talent pipeline of future space pioneers.