EngineeringUK 2023/24 programme evaluation results summary

Date published: 09 June 2025
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A group of secondary school students conduct a science experiment

Overview

EngineeringUK’s mission is to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be informed, inspired and progress into engineering and technology. Over the last academic year, we collaborated with partners and teachers to deliver a total of over 120,000 engagements for young people. This is a summary of key learnings from our 2023/2024 programme evaluations. It covers 5 of our core engagement programmes (The Big Bang Fair, Big Bang at School, Big Bang at School Blueprint, the Climate Schools Programme and Energy Quest) and our EDI bursary scheme. Together, these programmes gave nearly 70,000 young people from state-funded secondary schools the chance to explore engineering, technology, and related career pathways.

EngineeringUK 2023/24 programme evaluation results summary

Publication date

  • June 2025

Who this is for

  • Careers leaders
  • Researchers
  • STEM outreach organisations
  • Teachers

Key findings

  • student enjoyment and engagement varied across programmes, with programmes delivered at external, facilitator-led events yielding particularly positive results
  • students and teachers were both very positive about EngineeringUK’s newer teacher-led activities in terms their enjoyment and engagement
  • most programmes were rated as accessible to students of all abilities, and it is essential that this is carried through when developing or updating content 
  • while results showed a positive impact for all students, pre-existing gaps linked to prior STEM engagement and gender remained
  • teachers valued access to clear guidelines online resources, and training to effectively deliver STEM activities in their classrooms
  • facilitating collaboration among schools and sharing successful approaches could be a way to enhance the overall impact of STEM programmes

Bringing together evaluation findings from different outreach programmes helps us build a clearer picture of their reach and combined impact and ensures we’re effectively supporting young people from all backgrounds to explore engineering and technology.

— Amanda Aldercotte, Head of Evaluation and Impact, EngineeringUK
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Primary school pupils in a classroom setting. The pupils have small model wind turbines on their desks along with text books and pencils. Two students are interacting with their model.

Climate Schools Programme Evaluation Infographic 2023/24

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—95% of teachers rated the materials as good or excellent, and 90% said they would deliver the lessons again.
A school science lab. Many students surround a work bench as a cool box exudes dry ice. The students reach to touch it. They smile as they watch on.

Big Bang at School Evaluation Infographic 2023/24

Our evaluation found that the events were engaging and accessible for students of all abilities.
Scientists in a lab surrounded by equipment

Energy Quest Evaluation Infographic 2023/24

As this was the first year running the teacher-led Energy Quest, the evaluation focused on how it was delivered and early indicators of impact.
Young people at The Big Bang Fair visit the EasyJet stand. In the foreground one student looks directly into camera holding a model airplane.

EDI Bursary Evaluation Infographic 2023/24

EngineeringUK offers bursaries to priority schools to encourage greater participation of young people from typically underrepresented groups in STEM activities.