Oundle School is to open an £11m science teaching facility – SciTec – with a view to nurturing the UK’s next generation of great scientists.

The facility will put the 450-year-old school, which lists evolutionary biologist Professor Richard Dawkins and astronomer and space scientist Dr Roger Malina among its former pupils, at the forefront of a drive to tackle the dearth of scientists in the UK.

Fewer pupils and undergraduates nationally are studying science and fewer science graduates are going on to teach the subject – half of all physics teachers in the UK are now aged 50 and over.

Oundle School headmaster Charles Bush said: “We want to change this situation by making science more alluring to pupils.

“Our key concern is to enthuse pupils’ learning in the areas of science, engineering and technology with the view to reversing the declining interest in pure and applied sciences.

“SciTec makes the clearest possible statement that Oundle is fighting this trend.”

SciTec will become a beacon for the teaching of science though the hosting of national events. Research scientists will also be engaged to teach pupils rigorous research methods and to develop scientific projects and experiments of real purpose.

On Friday, September 7, the Duke of Gloucester will open the facility, which adjoins the existing physics department and comprises 16 chemistry and biology laboratories, an observatory and exhibition space set over two storeys.

Industry leaders have backed the school’s commitment to science teaching by donating £9m to help build SciTec including a $1m gift from former pupil and Sony Corporation CEO Sir Howard Stringer and £3m from the school’s governing body, The Grocers’ Company.

Mr Bush said: “The study of science in UK secondary schools is in danger of being marginalised.

“Public examinations are increasingly geared towards a trivial understanding rather than the disciplined study and use of science, leading to grave concerns about the supply of science teachers, technologists and pure scientists.

“History will judge the early 21st century as a most important time in the development of science and science education.

“There is a sense of excitement in the research community and secondary school pupils must be inspired to become part of it. University science departments across the country are increasingly relying on schools like Oundle to provide well-prepared and enthusiastic undergraduates.

“Oundle pupils will relish the opportunity to study science in such a building, with its great facility for practical work and very much on display.”

SciTec is part of the school’s wider vision to link the teaching of science and technology with art and design by bringing those teaching facilities under one roof and complementing them with areas for exploration, creativity and social interaction, such as exhibition space, a lecture theatre and a science library.