CREST Awards

The CREST Awards scheme is the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme for STEM project work for 5-19 year olds. Around 40’000 students in the UK gain CREST Awards every year through investigations and enquiry-based learning, supporting them to solve real-life STEM challenges.

Benefits of CREST Awards:

• Improved GCSE grades and increased interest in continuing in STEM education and careers
• Real-life experience of ‘being’ a scientist and working on STEM projects
• CREST Award projects help to develop students’ skills in creativity, teamwork and time management
• Students can use CREST to enhance their UCAS personal statements
• Extra value from other activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) and the Children’s University Passport to Learning.

A measurable improvement in exam results

An independent report (2016) revealed that students who have taken a CREST Silver Award achieved half a grade higher on their best science GCSE result and were more likely to continue with STEM education, compared to a matched control group.

A greater impact for more disadvantaged students

The report also showed that Silver CREST students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) saw a larger increase in their best science GCSE (two-thirds of a grade) compared to a matched control group who were also eligible for FSM, and were 38% more likely to take a STEM subject at AS Level.