Overview
The Big Bang Fair 2025 welcomed more than 20,000 young people and 2,100 educators from across the UK. Our evaluation includes survey responses from 1,547 students and 185 educators. The results revealed high engagement: 88% of students enjoyed The Fair, with notable increases in their knowledge, motivation, and interest in STEM careers.
The Fair’s positive impact extended to students from priority schools and those not already interested in STEM, suggesting it is effective in reaching underrepresented and less engaged groups.
Though there were significant differences between boys and girls, girls were very positive about their experience and The Fair’s impact overall. Girls particularly enjoyed doing activities with their friends.
Educators were overwhelmingly positive, with 98% rating The Fair as excellent or good, and most reporting greater confidence and knowledge to discuss STEM careers with students.
This report offers recommendations to sustain and build on these outcomes for future events.
The Big Bang Fair 2025 evaluation report
Publication date
- December 2025
Who is this for
- employers
- PEIs
- STEM outreach organisations
- researchers
Key findings
- 88% of students enjoyed The Fair, with high levels of engagement across all demographic groups
- strong impact on STEM outcomes:
94% of students reported increased knowledge of what people working in STEM do
86% were motivated to find out more about STEM jobs
84% reported increased interest in STEM careers
79% felt more confident they could do a STEM job
78% felt STEM jobs were suitable for someone like them - 98% of educators rated The Fair as excellent or good, with most reporting improved knowledge and confidence to discuss engineering and technology careers with students
- the event supported greater inclusion, with positive impacts for girls, disabled students, and students from a range of backgrounds, though some gaps remain
- recommendations include providing follow-on activities to maintain the momentum generated at The Fair and enhancing professional development for educators
It's my first visit to the Big Bang and I'm utterly impressed. There is a huge variety of opportunities for our year 7 and year 8 students... I love the emphasis on the future – we often struggle to get across to our students the sheer number of future opportunities available to them – but being able to see hear, touch and experience STEM for themselves has brought home to them just how exciting their futures can be if they follow a STEM pathway.
— Technician
The level of interaction was excellent this year, and all our students came back enthused about jobs they had not even thought about. The exhibitors communicated really well, the shows were fantastic again.
— Senior leadership team member
