New standard launches to support providers make an impact
We’re proud to launch the latest Neon quality standard, designed to reinforce the impact of each Neon experience. The new standard asks providers to include a follow-on activity for teachers to use with students after their initial session.
The newly introduced standard asks all Neon providers to “support teachers in enabling young people to reflect on the content of the Neon experience they have taken part in after the activity.”

From July 2025, all new Neon activity applications will be assessed against this standard. Existing activities will need to be updated by 14 September 2025.
This commitment sits alongside existing quality benchmarks such as contemporary engineering messaging, aspiration-raising for primary and secondary cohorts, inclusivity, continuous improvement, and more.
The addition aims to deepen young people’s understanding by facilitating structured reflection after taking part in an activity. This helps young people consider what knowledge and skills they have gained.
Feedback from educators and providers shows that structured reflection after an activity can deepen understanding and reinforce learning. In consultation, 87% of teachers and educators said follow-up activities were important to reinforcing the impact of the initial experience. Providers have also welcomed the change, recognising the value it brings to their work and to the young people they engage.
It also encourages young people to connect the experience to their own aspirations, and increases the long-term impact of STEM engagement.
The update to the quality standards is the result of consultation and discussion with providers, educators, and stakeholders to ensure the change is meaningful and manageable. A collaborative approach was taken so that the quality standards remain relevant for teachers’ needs, as well as supporting the STEM outreach community
As part of the rollout, providers have access to reflection activity templates – including PowerPoints, worksheets, and sample questions to suit diverse classroom needs. Additional support is available through drop-in sessions and ongoing assistance from the Neon team.
Dan Powell, Head of Neon, commented on the launch:
“It’s a pleasure to launch the new quality standard for Neon. It’s a result of months of hard work and consultation with our valued activity providers. The team and I are excited to see the impact of the new standard on young people’s confidence and passion for STEM after their Neon experience.
We're here to support providers every step of the way to get them up to speed with the new quality standard. With resources, drop ins and upcoming case studies, we're confident that means they will be able to easily fulfill the new standard.”
It’s a pleasure to launch the new quality standard for Neon. It’s a result of months of hard work and consultation with our valued activity providers. The team and I are excited to see the impact of the new standard on young people’s confidence and passion for STEM after their Neon experience.
— Dan Powell, Head of Neon, EngineeringUK