The Government says the Growth Corridor vision is for “a world-leading innovation corridor in the UK” which will be “a vibrant and innovative hub for globally renowned science and technology firms and internationally successful start ups”.

The plan sets out five priorities, including a single innovation ecosystem, the corridor becoming globally connected, accelerated innovation adoption and diffusion across the UK, building a complete end-to-end innovation and value capture system and enhancing quality of life through inclusive growth, nature and sustainable development

According to the Government, the plan draws inspiration from the work of the Wildlife Trusts, recognising that long-term prosperity and economic growth must go hand-in-hand with nature recovery.

Estelle Bailey, CEO of BBOWT, pictured in Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve, West Oxfordshire

Some 160,000 extra jobs would be created and £105bn of extra venture capital investment is expected to be created from the region.

The framework primarily takes inspiration from a report created by Oxford Brookes University and Cambridge Econometrics.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the “supercluster” that will be created in the region turns “world-class research into jobs and long-term growth”.

Science minister Lord Vallance added: “We have already seen the impact of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor on people’s lives with breakthroughs in healthcare, clean energy, and as an engine for economic growth.

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“The collaboration behind this framework – bringing together local leadership, universities, industry, and environmental organisations – reflects exactly the kind of joined-up approach required to reap further rewards from its huge potential, including high-skilled, innovative jobs and research that changes lives.”

Andy Williams, chair of the Oxford–Cambridge Supercluster Board, said: “The Oxford to Cambridge region already contains many of the ingredients found within the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, globally recognised universities, pioneering science and technology businesses, exceptional talent and strong investor interest.

Former chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance, during a media briefing in Downing Street on (Image: PA)

“This framework provides a shared long-term direction for how those strengths can be connected more effectively into a truly integrated supercluster capable of competing on a global stage.

“Importantly, it also recognises that growth must be sustainable, inclusive and focused on improving outcomes for people and places across the region.”

Irene Tracey, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: “Oxford and Cambridge have a rich history of producing discoveries that change lives, create industries and drive economic growth.

“This vision sets out our collective determination to better capture that economic value by creating the environment and conditions for the many companies we launch to stay and grow successfully within the UK rather than move abroad.

“A connected corridor, populated by world-class universities and built around East West Rail, is how we achieve that goal: a coherent pipeline from laboratory to spinout to scaling business that stays in the UK.”

Estelle Bailey, chief executive of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, said the corridor’s success must be measured by the health, resilience and quality of the environment.

“It is encouraging to see nature recovery, climate resilience and access to green space embedded within the long-term vision for the corridor,” she said.

Students from Cokethorpe School have been helping pensioners through a partnership with Rosebank Care Home, in Bampton, part of the Premium Care Group.

Led by Dr Chris Flaherty, the school’s head of science, the initiative connects pupils and residents through creative projects, music and shared experiences.

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One of the latest initiatives included sixth form students spending time with residents during Curriculum Enrichment Week to create a large ‘Wishing Tree’ mural inside the care home.

The artwork, developed over several days, features handwritten wishes, memories and reflections from residents displayed on decorative hanging tags.

The finished mural was officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by students, staff and residents.

Cokethorpe School pupils at Rosebank care home (Image: Fortitude Communications)

Residents said the project helped spark conversation, creativity and companionship, while giving students an opportunity to engage with older generations and hear their stories.

Dr Flaherty said: “The Wishing Tree really became something special. Residents shared memories, wishes and stories, and it brought everyone together in a very meaningful way.”

After Rosebank staff shared a request for a violinist to perform for a resident living with dementia, who responded positively to violin music, a sixth former from Cokethorpe volunteered to visit and play at the home.

Rosebank staff said the performance demonstrated the powerful connection between music and memory.

Alongside the art and music projects, lower sixth students also volunteered to support a Dementia Awareness cake sale, organised in partnership with Rosebank Care Home.

The fundraiser was also led by Dr Flaherty, in partnership with Hazel Kenworthy, Cokethorpe’s teacher of physics.

Working alongside the school’s catering team, students helped to ice and decorate cakes.

The fundraiser successfully raised money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society, with support from parents and former parents of the school.

The school said that the ongoing initiatives reflected its wider commitment to community outreach across the county.

Students have also previously performed music at Rosebank, taking part in singing visits, while younger pupils from Cokethorpe Prep School also regularly visit.

The school has also worked on other local community art initiatives, including a mural project for Mulberry Bush School.

Cokethorpe School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged four to 18, set within a 150-acre parkland site near Witney.

In April it emerged that Les Phillips, who was in Oxford United‘s Milk Cup-winning team at Wembley in 1986, is now a groundsman at the school.

When his playing career came to an end, Mr Phillips trained as a greenkeeper at golf courses across Oxfordshire and he has been at the school for the last nine years.