The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is inviting schools to register interest in a one-day Quantum Computing Masterclass for sixth form students. This masterclass is designed as an authentic first encounter with quantum computing that is hands on, approachable, and grounded in what today’s quantum devices can and cannot do. Students do not need prior quantum knowledge, and we keep physics and maths prerequisites light. This masterclass will take place in-person at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (OX11 0QX) on Tuesday 5 May 2026 between 10:00 and 17:00.
During the day, students will move through short, engaging teaching segments and guided activities. They will use simple physical props to build intuition about qubits, superposition, measurement and entanglement, and apply this understanding by constructing and testing small quantum circuits on a cloud simulator. All students will also submit at least one job to real quantum hardware, with facilitation from NQCC staff, so they can compare ideal simulator outputs to real device behaviour and learn why results differ in practice. The day will also include a tour of the NQCC facility and an interactive careers panel with quantum professionals. Teachers will receive a takeaway pack of resources to support follow up learning in school, and lunch is provided.
Please note that owing to our safety and security rules in the National Quantum Computing Centre, we do require one teacher for every five students.
There is no fee for participating schools, and limited travel support may be available. Registration of interest closes at 23:59 on 23 March. If the event is oversubscribed, once registration of interest closes the first 40% of places will be allocated by ballot to applying state schools located in areas where the IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation) is 1-4. This is part of our Wonder Initiative. The remaining places will be allocated to all remaining schools using a random number generator. All schools will be contacted by the end of 24 March.
If you have any questions, please contact visitral@stfc.ac.uk.