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Evaluation


Targeted Interventions 2023/24

March 2025

Targeted interventions are focused and sustained projects which engage with young people in disadvantaged areas. It is delivered through the STEM Ambassador programme, which is funded by UKRI. In 2023-4 41 interventions supported by over 750 STEM Ambassadors engaged with over 74,000 young people across the UK. STEM Learning’s Impact and Evidence team evaluated the interventions and identified they resulted in a positive impact on attitudes to Science, Engineering Technology and Maths for young people and educators, and importantly that young people involved felt more confident in their capability in STEM subjects.

Full report


Research Placements and Experiences 2023/24

Dec 2024

Research Placements and Experiences (formerly Nuffield Research Placements) provide year 12 (or equivalent) students from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities to take part in authentic and meaningful STEM and STEM-related projects with host organisations. Across both the Placements and Experiences student confidence was found to be improved and 100% of teachers would recommend them to future students.

Full report


Explorify Evaluation

October 2024

Explorify is a free digital resource of engaging creative science activities for primary teachers, designed to stimulate curiosity and discussion in primary classrooms. STEM Learning’s external evaluator, CFE Research, surveyed and interviewed educators across the UK over two years. This gained them an understanding of teachers’ awareness and use of Explorify and the outcomes and impacts of the resources on pupils and educators. Both the mid-point and final reports found that pupil’s science skills have improved because of using Explorify and that educators recommend Explorify to others. Several case studies were also produced demonstrating how Explorify is used in schools.

Infographic

Full report

Hinchley Wood Primary School case study

Rosebank Primary School case study

Yarm Primary School case study

Ysgol Mynydd Bychan case study (Welsh)

Ysgol Mynydd Bychan case study



ENTHUSE Partnerships

September 2024

ENTHUSE Partnerships for schools and colleges are multi-year collaborations between 8-10 schools or colleges. They aim to increase student attainment and engagement with STEM subjects and develop awareness and understanding of STEM careers. Partnerships receive a package of financial and expert support to help them achieve their aims.  CFE Research conducted an evaluation to explore the characteristics of effective partnerships and their impact at student, school and partnership level.

Full Report


CyberCenturion 2023

July 2024

CyberCenturion is a national cyber education initiative for 12-18 year-olds in the UK and UK overseas territories. STEM Learning's external evaluator, The Charity Spark, spoke to Team Leaders, some of whom are former CyberCenturion competitors themselves, to understand the impact of involvement in the competition on students and their wider school.

Opening doors for students: Sharon's CyberCenturion experience

Inspiring a school community: Introducing CyberCenturion

Shaping young minds: Ana's journey with CyberCenturion

From student to mentor: Jared's CyberCenturion story


Research Placements and Experiences 2022/23

March 2024

Research Placements and Experiences (formerly Nuffield Research Placements) provide year 12 (or equivalent) students from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities to take part in authentic and meaningful STEM and STEM-related projects with host organisations. In 2022/23 STEM Learning began offering a 5-day Experience Placement as well as the established 2-week Research Placement. Across both the Placements and Experiences student confidence was found to be improved and 100% of teachers would recommend them to future students.

Full report


STEM Summer Camps 2023

February 2024

In summer 2023, students in years 8-10 at 10 schools across the South East of England took part in a set of intensive STEM summer camps developed by STEM Learning, with support from Goldman Sachs Gives. The camps were run for various reasons based on a needs analysis undertaken by each participating school and included re-engagement with science, increasing confidence, and pushing towards higher grades. This report found that the camps improved students understanding of science and prepared them for their next school year and their GSCEs.

Full report


STEM Ambassadors Higher Educational Institutes and Professional Bodies case studies

February 2024

The STEM Ambassadors programme, funded by UKRI and delivered on its behalf by STEM Learning, supports the engagement of students in STEM subjects and careers across the UK. STEM Ambassador activities are intended to positively influence attitudes to STEM, research and innovation, enhancing students’ attainment in STEM and the likelihood of those students pursuing STEM careers and/or research in the future. STEM Learning's external evaluator Rachel Dunford Consulting spoke to employees and representatives from several Higher Educational Institutes and Professional Bodies to gain in-depth insights into the impacts of volunteering with the STEM Ambassadors programme.

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

Construction Industry Training Board

Institute of Mechanical Engineers

Institute of Physics

Royal Astronomical Society

Institution of Civil Engineers

Institution of Engineering and Technology

Individual Cosmologist - Chris Pearson

Individual Control System Engineer - Garry Packer

Individual Transport Technical Specialist - Charles Horsey

St George's University

UCL

Ulster University

University of Reading


STEM Ambassadors Youth Organisations case studies

February 2024

The STEM Ambassadors programme, funded by UKRI and delivered on its behalf by STEM Learning, supports the engagement of students in STEM subjects and careers across the UK. STEM Ambassador activities are intended to positively influence attitudes to STEM, research and innovation, enhancing students’ attainment in STEM and the likelihood of those students pursuing STEM careers and/or research in the future. STEM Learning's external evaluator Rachel Dunford Consulting spoke to volunteers and representatives from several Youth Organisations to gain in-depth insights into the impacts of engaging with the STEM Ambassadors programme.

Digilocal

The Scouts - Nigel Smetham

The Scouts - Chris Botting


STEM Clubs case studies

January 2024

STEM Clubs are out-of-timetable sessions that give secondary school students the chance to explore aspects of STEM that often go outside of the curriculum, focusing on specific disciplines or spanning multiple STEM subjects. STEM Learning's external evaluator, Rachel Dunford Consulting, spoke to students and STEM Club leaders to discover their experience of being involved in a STEM Club.

Neston High School

Queen's Park School

Severn Vale School

Springwood School

Ursuline Academy


Explorify case study: The Brindishe Federation

November 2023

Explorify is a free digital resource of engaging creative science activities for primary
teachers, designed to stimulate curiosity and discussion in primary classrooms.
STEM Learning’s external evaluator, CFE Research interviewed educators at the
Brindishe Federation about their experience using Explorify. This case study
demonstrates how their use of Explorify improves pupils' oracy and teachers'
confidence.

Case study


Report on the ERA Maths in FE Colleges pilot

July 2023

There is a problem with the provision of post-16 GCSE mathematics in England. Students not achieving a grade 4 are required to continue their mathematics study. Mathematics is not always viewed positively; students often regard the fact that they are required to retake their mathematics GCSE as a punishment, resulting in the average pass rate for post-16 GCSE mathematics being less than 25%. The ERA funded a STEM Learning programme intended to explore methods to help make the study of mathematics GCSE post 16 a more positive experience for students and teachers alike, and this report looks at its impact.

Full Report


Educator Perspectives on the STEM Ambassador programme

July 2023

STEM Ambassadors are professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) who volunteer their time to inspire the next generation to pursue STEM subjects and careers. STEM Learning surveyed educators who had engaged with STEM Ambassador activities to understand the impact the programme has on themselves, their students and their school. Educators' motivations to engage are typically focused on enriching their students' STEM education. They report positive impacts not only on students, but also on themselves and their wider schools, most notably upon their enthusiasm for STEM and their knowledge of STEM careers.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary & Full Report


Explorify Evaluation

June 2023

Explorify is a free digital resource of engaging creative science activities for primary teachers, designed to stimulate curiosity and discussion in primary classrooms. STEM Learning’s external evaluator, CFE Research, surveyed and interviewed educators across the UK to gain an understanding of the impact of Explorify on pupils and on educators’ teaching practice. The report found that pupil’s science skills have improved because of using Explorify and that educators recommend Explorify to others. It also found that use of Explorify has had a positive effect on educators' teaching practice and has helped them enjoy teaching science more.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary & Full report

Infographic


Digital resources case studies

May 2023

STEM Learning host a bank of quality-assured, free-to-access digital resources which support STEM teaching and enrichment. This bespoke collection of resources covers all phases of education in addition to careers. STEM Learning’s external evaluator, The Charity Spark, spoke to ten educators to gain an understanding of how these resources are being used to support educators and students across all phases of education. These case studies showcase how these resources are being used to enhance STEM teaching and learning, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Creating an inspiring primary science programme

Secondary maths and science teacher in Spain

Secondary maths teacher providing a real life context for GCSE and A-Level students

Secondary physics teacher and early careers teacher mentor

Resources giving trainee teachers confidence in the classroom

Secondary teacher using Mission X resources to inspire SEND pupils

Specialist higher level teaching assistant in a primary school

Secondary science teacher using robust evidence-based resource to engage students

Biology technician finding inspiration to support practical work and STEM clubs

Senior science technician supporting STEM clubs


STEM Clubs Infographic

April 2023

STEM clubs are out-of-timetable activities that broaden the curriculum. Held during lunchtime or after school, STEM clubs allow young people to explore STEM in an informal setting. Regular sessions provide a space for students and teachers alike to explore and expand their knowledge freely. This infographic compiles some of STEM Learning’s key evaluation findings on the impact of STEM Clubs on students and educators.

Infographic


Evaluation of the 2021/22 Nuffield Research Placements cycle

March 2023

Nuffield Research Placements provide year 12 (or equivalent) students facing barriers to STEM progression with an opportunity to undertake a STEM research or development project at a host organisation. STEM Learning, who deliver the programme with funding from the Nuffield Foundation and support from UKRI, surveyed students, teachers, and placement providers to evaluate the success of the 2021/22 academic year’s cycle. Satisfaction with the programme remains high, and placements continue to have substantial impact on students and providers alike, such as improved student confidence and report writing.

Executive Summary

Full Report


STEM Ambassadors employer case studies

March 2023

The STEM Ambassadors programme, funded by UKRI and delivered on its behalf by STEM Learning, supports the engagement of students in STEM subjects and careers across the UK. STEM Ambassador activities are intended to positively influence attitudes to STEM, research and innovation, enhancing students’ attainment in STEM and the likelihood of those students pursuing STEM careers and/or research in the future. STEM Learning's external evaluator Rachel Dunford Consulting spoke to employees and representatives from several employers to gain in-depth insights into the impacts of volunteering with the STEM Ambassadors programme.

Gavurin

Network Rail

The Royal Air Force

Siemens

STM Quality Ltd

Babcock International

BAE Systems


STEM Clubs Climate Change Project case study: Woodfarm High School

December 2022

Several schools recently took part in the STEM Clubs Climate Change project, an ambitious venture which saw a school from the UK link up with a school in Brazil and investigate the impact of climate change in their countries. This case study demonstrates how a STEM Club in Glasgow got involved with the project, how it impacted the students who took part, and how their school is developing a continuing relationship with their Brazilian counterparts.

Case Study


Intensive STEM Summer Camps 2021: Final Report

December 2022

In summer 2021, students in year 10 and year 12 at 18 schools across England took part in a set of new intensive STEM summer camps developed by STEM Learning, with support from Goldman Sachs Gives. Following on from their interim evaluation in 2021, STEM Learning's external evaluator The Charity Spark investigated the longer-term impact of the camps at the end of the 2021/22 academic year. This final report found that progress made towards the camps' intended outcomes for both young people and teachers has been sustained. In particular, students taking combined science GCSE achieved 1 grade higher after attending an intensive STEM summer camp. Additionally, students felt more confident in their studies as a result of attending a camp, and this increase in confidence was sustained through the school year.

Executive Summary & Full Report


Young people and STEM

December 2022

The STEM Ambassadors programme, funded by UKRI and delivered on its behalf by STEM Learning, supports the engagement of students in STEM subjects and careers across the UK. STEM Ambassador activities are intended to positively influence attitudes to STEM, research and innovation, enhancing both students’ attainment in STEM and the likelihood of those students pursuing STEM careers and/or research in the future. Sheffield Institute of Education ran focus groups to explore the perspectives of young people on the SA programme and STEM more widely to consider how the programme fits within their worldview and priorities.

Executive Summary

Full Report


Impact on STEM Ambassadors 2022

December 2022

STEM Ambassadors are volunteers who work with young people in schools and the community to inspire the next generation to follow a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) pathway. This independent investigation explored Ambassadors' motivations for giving their time, the impact of their volunteering upon themselves and the young people they engage with and how COVID-19 affected their volunteering.

Executive summary

Executive summary and full report


CanSat case studies

August 2022

CanSat is an initiative of the European Space Agency that challenges students aged between 14 and 19 years old to build and launch a mini satellite the size of a soda can. STEM Learning run the competition in the UK and commissioned an independent evaluator, The Charity Spark, to speak to a teacher who has entered multiple teams into the competition and a student who took part in a previous cycle. The case studies showcase the impact that CanSat has had on those who take part and how the competition can inspire the young people involved to consider a career in the space sector.

Daisy Richardson - student

Greg Duffy - teacher


Cyber Centurion VIII Evaluation Summary

July 2022

CyberCenturion is a free to enter cyber security competition designed by the American Air Force Association and presented by Northrop Grumman. STEM Learning’s Monitoring and Evaluation team surveyed team leaders and students about their experience at two key points in the CyberCenturion VIII (2021/22) competition cycle, and found evidence of a variety of benefits for the young people involved.

Summary


Social Value of ENTHUSE Partnerships

May 2022

ENTHUSE Partnerships are intensive 2-year programmes that enable schools to raise aspiration and achievement in STEM. As part of their ongoing work on social value, Simetrica Jacobs assessed the social value of ENTHUSE Partnerships. The findings show that each ENTHUSE Partnership generates over £500k in social value, rising to £638k with strong employer engagement.

Executive Summary


External Evaluation of the Space Education Quality Mark

April 2022

The Space Education Quality Mark (SEQM) is a recognition scheme for schools and colleges who use the subject of space to inspire and engage their students in STEM subjects. This independent evaluation conducted by Qa Research investigated the impacts of achieving SEQM accreditation. The report shows evidence of the benefits of being awarded a Space Education Quality Mark upon schools, teachers and young people. These benefits include raising the profile of science in these schools and increasing the enjoyment and engagement of science among students.

Executive Summary

Full report


Evaluation of the 2020/21 Nuffield Research Placements cycle

February 2022

Funded by the Nuffield Foundation and delivered by STEM Learning, the Nuffield Research Placements programme matches year 12 (or equivalent) students from low-income or first-in-family backgrounds to a STEM research placement in a host organisation. STEM Learning surveyed students, teachers, and placement providers to evaluate the success of the 2020/21 cycle. Satisfaction with the programme was high, with a range of impacts including increased student confidence and improved research skills.

Executive Summary

Full report


External Evaluation of NSLC and SLP CPD

January 2022

In 2022, STEM Learning commissioned the Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education (CUREE) to evaluate the impact of two major strands of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) teacher training provided by STEM Learning.

Key Findings


External Evaluation of the Mission X Challenge

January 2022

Mission X is a STEM enrichment challenge for young people aged 8 to 12, led by the European Space Education Resource Office for the UK (ESERO-UK) at the National STEM Learning Centre. This independent evaluation conducted by Ondata Research reviews the Mission X delivery model, and identifies areas of impact on young people and Team Leaders. Evidence for positive impacts upon the participating young people included increases in confidence in working scientifically, enjoyment of science, and knowledge of space.

Executive Summary

Full report


Intensive STEM Summer Camps 2021: Interim Report

December 2021

In summer 2021, students in year 10 and year 12 at 18 schools across England took part in a set of new intensive science summer camps developed by STEM Learning, with support from Goldman Sachs Gives. STEM Learning's external evaluator, The Charity Spark, produced this interim report which investigates the impact of attending these camps. They found good progress had been made towards the intended outcomes for both young people and teachers.

Executive summary and full report


Intensive STEM Summer Camps 2021: Case Studies

November 2021

In summer 2021, students in year 10 and year 12 at 18 schools across England took part in a set of new intensive science summer camps developed by STEM Learning, with support from Goldman Sachs Gives. STEM Learning's external evaluator The Charity Spark produced a set of case studies which cover the activities that took place at nine of these camps, along with the impact they had.

Overview of Case Studies


Valuing the Impact of Science CPD

September 2021

This independent evaluation uses robust, HMT Green Book methodology to calculate the economic and social value generated as a result of STEM Learning's science CPD. The analyses shows that increases in student attainment and progression, from primary through to post-16, as well as increased teacher retention and wellbeing generate over £440 million worth of social value. This includes increased lifetime earnings and tax contributions for those students benefiting from STEM Learning CPD, reduced expenditure on teacher training and increased wellbeing and career progression for teachers.

Executive Summary

Full report


Computer Science Accelerator: Cohort 2

July 2021

As part of the National Centre for Computing Education, STEM Learning commissioned an external evaluator to assess the quality and impact of the Computer Science Accelerator Programme on the second cohort of graduates. The evaluation shows how the programme is impactful for teachers, schools and young people. Participants also found the programme to provide high quality and effective support.

Executive summary

Full report


The Impact of STEM Ambassadors: School and STEM Ambassador Perspectives

July 2021

This independent investigation of the STEM Ambassadors programme analysed a number of relationships between STEM Ambassadors and schools. The seven case studies in this report are presented as narratives, telling the story of each engagement and how it benefited or impacted young people and their schools, as well as the employers and STEM Ambassadors involved.

Full report


Evaluation of Nuffield Future Researchers online placements

May 2021

STEM Learning took over the running of the Nuffield Research Placements programme in October 2020. The programme aims to deepen post-16 students’ understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and research by providing the opportunity to undertake a research placement. In summer 2020, Nuffield Future Researchers, an online-only version of the Nuffield Research Placements programme, ran to provide almost 800 young people with extracurricular experience of STEM subjects and research despite the Covid-19 pandemic. This recently published independent evaluation compared the programme with the in-person model. It found that online delivery still brought about several benefits, including the ability to reach a broader range of students and develop their understanding of the STEM sector.

Executive summary and full report


ENTHUSE Partnerships 2020: Annual Report

May 2021

ENTHUSE Partnerships are intensive 2-year programmes that enable schools to raise aspiration and achievement in STEM. Analysis of data from schools engaged throughout 2020 shows clear benefits for young people: with improved attainment as well as increased self-efficacy and motivation. The Partnerships also helped disadvantaged (“Pupil Premium”) students narrow the gap. Girls and boys developed more positive attitudes towards science and STEM careers, with more considering themselves to be “the kind of person who could have a STEM career”.

Executive summary


Online CPD Evaluation and Impact 2021

March 2021

STEM Learning provides self-paced, online courses, allowing teachers and educators to learn wherever and whenever suits them. Evaluation of the Online CPD programme shows that the courses are consistently seen as high quality and impactful for participants. Engagement with these courses leads to positive impacts on the participants, as well as the young people they teach. Furthermore, the impact for young people increases in the long-term, once educators have had an opportunity to embed their learning into practice.

Executive summary

Full report


STEM Ambassadors: Impact on Ambassadors and Educators 2020

January 2021

Independent analysis of STEM Learning's STEM Ambassadors programme shows how engagement positively impact on STEM Ambassadors, Educators and Young People. This report looks at the 2019-2020 period and focuses on how the programme has led to increased sense of achievement and reward for STEM Ambassadors, increased confidence and passion for teaching STEM amongst educators and increased interest, aspirations, attainment and progress of young people. The report also highlights some key recommendations for the programme moving forward.

Executive summary

Full report

Technical Report



Evidence on different STEM CPD Modalities

2020

In 2020, STEM Learning conducted an internal review of the evidence it had gathered on the impact of CPD on teachers, students and schools. This report is an overview broken down by programme, with specific comparisons between face-to-face and online CPD.

Report

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Archive

Effectiveness of remote and blended CPD

October 2020

STEM Learning commissioned the University of Birmingham and CUREE to undertake a rapid evidence review. They found remote delivery has advantages and navigable challenges compared with face-to-face delivery. If carefully designed and skilfully executed, remote delivery can usefully complement face-to-face delivery, as in blended programmes. If necessary, as seen in lockdown situations, it can provide an adequate substitute.

Executive summary

Full report


STEM Learning CPD: impact on STEM A Level uptake

September 2020

Analysis of data on STEM A levels shows that engagement with STEM Learning science CPD improves progression. Schools whose teachers participated in our CPD saw an increase in the proportion of students entering STEM A levels - more than the progress of non-engaged schools.

Executive summary

Technical report


Comparison of Face-to-Face and Remote CPD Delivery

July 2020

STEM Learning conducted interviews with CPD facilitators to assess differences in delivery, outcomes and impact of face-to-face (F2F) and remote CPD delivery methods. The findings show that remote delivery can be an effective method of delivering CPD, however it can be less effective than F2F delivery, especially for inexperienced teachers or those with limited subject knowledge (e.g. non-specialists).

Executive summary

Full report


STEM Learning CPD: impact on GCSE science

March 2020

Analysis of data on science GCSEs shows that engagement with STEM Learning science CPD improves results. Schools whose teachers had recently participated in our CPD saw an increase of over 10% in the proportion of students achieving a good grade in two science GCSEs - more than double the progress of non-engaged schools.

Executive summary


STEM Learning CPD: impact on science in primary schools

March 2020

Analysis of data on Key Stage 2 assessments for science shows that engagement with STEM Learning science CPD improves results. Primary schools where teachers had recently engaged with our CPD improve their results around 50% faster than other schools.

Executive summary


STEM Learning CPD: economic impact on teacher retention

January 2020

An independent study by Education Datalab showed that teachers engaged with STEM Learning science CPD are more likely to stay in the profession, reducing the need to train new teachers. Combining the Education Datalab results with an IFS estimate of the cost of initial teacher training, we calculate that STEM Learning CPD has saved the UK at least £58.5m in teacher training costs, a return on investment of 153%.​

Executive summary


Evaluation of the impact of National Science Learning Network CPD on Schools (ISOS Partnership) 

Published in October 2015

This is an evaluation of the impact and benefits of schools engaging with subject-specific science continuing professional development (CPD) from the National Science Learning Network (NSLN) and the National STEM Centre.

Full report

Case studies


Evaluation of the Impact of Myscience CPD Programmes in STEM Leadership on Primary and Secondary schools

Published in November 2014

This summary report (based on research conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research) investigates the impact of a range of STEM leadership CPD programmes targeted at leaders and teachers of STEM subjects in primary and secondary schools and colleges.

Full report


Impact of Science Learning Centre CPD on teachers' retention and careers – Sheffield Hallam University, centre for education and inclusion research 

Published in May 2012 

This report aimed to explore the impact of the support for the CPD of teachers provided by the Science Learning Centres on individual teachers’ career progression and retention within the profession.

Full report

ENTHUSE Partnerships: Lloyd's Register Foundation

April 2020

The Lloyd's Register Foundation (LRF) is supporting an intensive programme of ENTHUSE Partnerships to raise achievement in STEM and stimulate interest in and enthusiasm for engineering. Initial data on the first cohort of 20 LRF Partnerships is already demonstrating impact on STEM attainment, interest, careers knowledge and aspirations just one year into their two-year action plans.

Executive summary

Full report


ENTHUSE Partnerships: Cohort 6

February 2020

ENTHUSE Partnerships are intensive 2-year programmes that enable schools to raise aspiration and achievement in STEM. Analysis of data from Cohort 6 shows clear benefits for young people: with improved attainment as well as increased self-efficacy and motivation. The Partnerships also helped disadvantaged (“Pupil Premium”) students narrow the gap. Girls and boys developed more positive attitudes towards science and STEM careers, with more considering themselves to be “the kind of person who could have a STEM career”.

Executive summary


External evaluation of the ENTHUSE Partnership Programme

Published June 2017

ENTHUSE Partnership funding enables groups of four to eight schools and colleges to work together, with support from STEM Learning on a two-year intensive programme to raise aspiration and achievement in STEM subjects.

An independent evaluation of ENTHUSE Partnerships has recently been completed by the respected Centre for the Use of Research and Evidence in Education (CUREE).

Full report

Key findings

STEM Ambassadors: making an impact

Published November 2016

STEM Ambassadors bring a fresh and inspiring perspective to STEM lessons and careers information, and complement excellent teaching in schools and colleges.

Through recent research and evaluation of STEM Ambassador activity, there are four key lessons that we have learned. These lessons illustrate the key impacts that STEM Ambassadors have on young people and those who work with them.

Full report

Computer Science Accelerator: Cohort 1

November 2020

As part of the National Centre for Computing Education, STEM Learning commissioned an external evaluator to assess the quality and impact of the Computer Science Accelerator Programme. The evaluation shows how the programme is impactful for teachers, schools and young people. Participants also found the programme to provide high quality and effective support.

Executive summary

Full report

Aspire to STEM: Independent Evaluation

April 2020

The Aspire to STEM programme worked with schools in disadvantaged areas, improving teaching quality, subject leadership and teacher retention. Schools were supported to organise community events that engaged students and families, boosting STEM uptake. An early external evaluation found that Aspire to STEM has improved student engagement and progress.

Executive summary

Full report


Polar Explorer Programme: Independent Evaluation

December 2019

The Polar Explorer Programme (PEP) used public interest in the Polar Research Vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough and its famous submarine Boaty McBoatface to inspire pupils and teachers in primary schools.  An external evaluation found PEP improved teaching, pupil confidence, enjoyment, engagement and progression in STEM. PEP encouraged pupils to see that “anyone can work in STEM”, increasing aspirations towards STEM careers especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Executive summary

Full report


Improving science teacher retention

Published September 2017

Commissioned by Wellcome and carried out by Education Datalab, this research found that science teachers who participate in CPD through STEM Learning are much more likely to remain in teaching.

One in 12 teachers who did not participate in STEM Learning CPD left teaching within two years. This drops to 1 in 30 for those who did, when other factors (such as age and gender) are taken into account, increasing the odds of remaining by 160%.

Full report


STEM Clubs: making an impact

Published 2016/17

STEM Clubs offer young people valuable opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in an informal setting, allowing them to experiment, ask questions and tackle challenges that interest them. 

Research shows that STEM Clubs can have significant and measurable positive impacts on students, teachers and other leaders, and the schools or colleges themselves. This report summarises key findings from evaluation and research so far, along with pinpointing areas for future work. 

Full report


Lessons in Excellent Science Education - 10 Years of Impact on Teachers, Pupils and Schools

Published September 2015

For more than ten years, the National STEM Learning Network has provided teachers, technicians and other educators with high impact, subject-specific professional development in STEM subjects. This report highlights five key lessons the Network has learnt about in its first ten years. 

Review of ten years of impact


Triple Science Support Programme: Final evaluation summary (extension period)

Published October 2016

STEM Learning Ltd conducted an evaluation of the Triple Science Support Programme (TSSP) extension period from 1 April to 31 July to supplement the external evaluation of years 1 and 2 of the programme conducted by OPM (published in April 2016). The evaluation comprised of two parts; an online survey to a sample of schools engaged with the programme (n=36) and five case studies. The aim of the evaluation was to provide evidence impact of the programme and highlight achievements from schools that received support during the extension period.

Full report


Bringing Cutting Edge Science to the Classroom Programme

Published May 2016

This evaluation was commissioned in Autumn 2015 to analyse the success of the Bringing Cutting Edge Science to the Classroom programme in delivering its stated aims, and to assess the impact of the programme on participants, their students and colleagues.

Full report


National STEM Learning Network: Regional Programme - ISOS Partnership

Published in September 2016

This report outlines the effectiveness and impact of STEM continuing professional development (CPD) for schools and colleges in England, delivered by the National STEM Learning Network between April 2015 and March 2016. 

ISOS report - National STEM Learning Network: Regional Programme


Triple Science Support Programme - Final Evaluation Report

Published April 2016

OPM conducted an evaluation of the Triple Science Support Programme (TSSP) across the years 2014- 2016 of the programme, to evidence the extent of impacts of the programme on three key groups: teachers; students; and science departments, senior leaders, and whole schools. 

Final report

Appendices 1-5

Appendix 6


National Science Learning Network Regional Programme (ISOS Partnership)

Published in July 2015

This report evaluates the implementation and impact of the third phase of the National Science Learning Network’s regional programme.

Full report


Teacher Industrial Partners’ Scheme Evaluation (Dr Suzanne King) 

Published in March 2015 

This report evaluates the effectiveness of the Teacher Industrial Partners’ Scheme and highlights potential recommendations for the future.

Teacher Industrial Partners' Scheme Evaluation

Executive summary


Impact evaluation report - Primary science specialist

Published October 2015

This report looks at the impact of two CPD activities - Primary science specialist (2013 -14) and New and aspiring primary science specialist (2014 -15)

Primary science specialist