CREST accredited resources
Discover exciting STEM activities and project work from our partners!
What are CREST Accredited resources?
Resources created by partner organisations that are assessed by our Education Team against the CREST guiding principles and, for secondary-age activities, the CREST criteria. This provides educators with reassurance that resources are high quality and aligned with the CREST Awards, supporting children and young people to gain recognition for their achievements through a CREST Award.
Resources by CREST Award level
Operation Spitfire 4 Schools (OS4S) is a Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire-based, curriculum-linked program for primary and secondary students, focusing on STEM and local history.
An annual campaign inspiring young people's scientific question-asking. Ask in autumn, investigate in spring and share in summer.
Aligned with Design and Technology, Computing and Science, these design and make resources inspire learners to think and work as engineers using real-world robotics contexts. These teacher led activities, including Debris Detectives and Engineers of Tomorrow are free to download.
Operation Spitfire 4 Schools (OS4S) is a Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire-based, curriculum-linked program for primary and secondary students, focusing on STEM and local history.
An annual campaign inspiring young people's scientific question-asking. Ask in autumn, investigate in spring and share in summer.
Aligned with Design and Technology, Computing and Science, these design and make resources inspire learners to think and work as engineers using real-world robotics contexts. These teacher led activities, including Debris Detectives and Engineers of Tomorrow are free to download.
Interactive adventures including a 20-25 minute show. Activities can be delivered live in-person, live online or as a fully remote stream. Unplugged or digital options for follow-up activities make them accessible for everyone.
Canal & Rivers Trust is responsible for maintaining waterways, including bridges. This teacher led activity gives young people an introduction to waterway bridges and environmental impact considerations. They will design and build a bridge to fit a canal boat and support a minimum weight. This activity relates to the topics of engineering and the environment. The resource is free downloadable PDF.
Aligned with Design and Technology, Computing and Science, these design and make resources inspire learners to think and work as engineers using real-world robotics contexts. These teacher led activities including Debris Detectives and Engineers of Tomorrow are free to download.
The VEX IQ Robotics Competition is a global STEM programme where primary and secondary school students (typically Year 4 to Year 10) collaborate to design, build, and code robots to solve an annual engineering challenge. Through a combination of driver-controlled and autonomous matches, the competition develops technical proficiency in Python or block-based coding and mechanical engineering, alongside essential "soft skills" like teamwork, project management, and resilience. Participating schools benefit from a sustainable, reusable platform that fosters high levels of student engagement and provides a clear pathway to regional and national championships.
Interactive adventures including a 20-25 minute show. Activities can be delivered live in-person, live online or as a fully remote stream. Unplugged or digital options for follow-up activities make them accessible for everyone.
Canal & Rivers Trust is responsible for maintaining waterways, including bridges. This teacher led activity gives young people an introduction to waterway bridges and environmental impact considerations. They will design and build a bridge to fit a canal boat and support a minimum weight. This activity relates to the topics of engineering and the environment. The resource is free downloadable PDF.
Aligned with Design and Technology, Computing and Science, these design and make resources inspire learners to think and work as engineers using real-world robotics contexts. These teacher led activities including Debris Detectives and Engineers of Tomorrow are free to download.
The VEX IQ Robotics Competition is a global STEM programme where primary and secondary school students (typically Year 4 to Year 10) collaborate to design, build, and code robots to solve an annual engineering challenge. Through a combination of driver-controlled and autonomous matches, the competition develops technical proficiency in Python or block-based coding and mechanical engineering, alongside essential "soft skills" like teamwork, project management, and resilience. Participating schools benefit from a sustainable, reusable platform that fosters high levels of student engagement and provides a clear pathway to regional and national championships.
Free creative technology courses – ready-made, choose one of three themes:
Operation Spitfire 4 Schools (OS4S) is a Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire-based, curriculum-linked program for primary and secondary students, focusing on STEM and local history.
An annual campaign inspiring young people's scientific question-asking. Ask in autumn, investigate in spring and share in summer.
FameLab Academy is the junior version of FameLab, the longest running and furthest reaching science communication competition and training programme in the world. This global project has been adapted to a secondary school aged cohort of year 9 students and seeks to revolutionise science communication in schools.
Equipped with training and resources, teachers and a STEM mentor support students to develop as science communicators. They learn to prepare and deliver a three-minute talk on a scientific topic of their choice that is entertaining and engaging. Students build confidence and skills that will help them beyond their FameLab Academy journey. They compete in front of an audience of their teachers, peers, family and a judging panel and are accesses by the 3 Cs of FameLab - Content, Clarity and Charisma.
Contact: famelab@cheltenhamfestivals.org
Targeted at secondary school and sixth-form students (Years 7–13), the VEX V5 Robotics Competition is an advanced engineering programme where teams build powerful, custom-designed robots from versatile metal components.The competition bridges the gap between the classroom and industry by challenging students to master high-level C++ or Python programming, professional CAD design, and complex mechanical systems. Beyond technical excellence, participants gain a significant competitive edge for UCAS applications and apprenticeships, developing the leadership, iterative problem-solving, and professional documentation skills required for the modern engineering workforce.
The VEX IQ Robotics Competition is a global STEM programme where primary and secondary school students (typically Year 4 to Year 10) collaborate to design, build, and code robots to solve an annual engineering challenge. Through a combination of driver-controlled and autonomous matches, the competition develops technical proficiency in Python or block-based coding and mechanical engineering, alongside essential "soft skills" like teamwork, project management, and resilience. Participating schools benefit from a sustainable, reusable platform that fosters high levels of student engagement and provides a clear pathway to regional and national championships.
Destination STEM Experiences provide young people with opportunities, support, and advice, to help them explore pathways into careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Developing their skills, and connecting them with employers.
In2STEM is a fantastic opportunity for Year 12 or S5/S6 students passionate about STEM. Running from July to August, the programme offers a blend of online and in-person activities, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to excel in STEM.
Placements are located within commutable distance, ensuring all students can easily participate. In2STEM is entirely free to join, and a bursary is provided to cover travel and lunch expenses during placements! To date, In2STEM have supported 5,350 young people on across the UK, from Exeter to Edinburgh.
Free creative technology courses – ready-made, choose one of three themes:
Operation Spitfire 4 Schools (OS4S) is a Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire-based, curriculum-linked program for primary and secondary students, focusing on STEM and local history.
An annual campaign inspiring young people's scientific question-asking. Ask in autumn, investigate in spring and share in summer.
FameLab Academy is the junior version of FameLab, the longest running and furthest reaching science communication competition and training programme in the world. This global project has been adapted to a secondary school aged cohort of year 9 students and seeks to revolutionise science communication in schools.
Equipped with training and resources, teachers and a STEM mentor support students to develop as science communicators. They learn to prepare and deliver a three-minute talk on a scientific topic of their choice that is entertaining and engaging. Students build confidence and skills that will help them beyond their FameLab Academy journey. They compete in front of an audience of their teachers, peers, family and a judging panel and are accesses by the 3 Cs of FameLab - Content, Clarity and Charisma.
Contact: famelab@cheltenhamfestivals.org
Targeted at secondary school and sixth-form students (Years 7–13), the VEX V5 Robotics Competition is an advanced engineering programme where teams build powerful, custom-designed robots from versatile metal components.The competition bridges the gap between the classroom and industry by challenging students to master high-level C++ or Python programming, professional CAD design, and complex mechanical systems. Beyond technical excellence, participants gain a significant competitive edge for UCAS applications and apprenticeships, developing the leadership, iterative problem-solving, and professional documentation skills required for the modern engineering workforce.
The VEX IQ Robotics Competition is a global STEM programme where primary and secondary school students (typically Year 4 to Year 10) collaborate to design, build, and code robots to solve an annual engineering challenge. Through a combination of driver-controlled and autonomous matches, the competition develops technical proficiency in Python or block-based coding and mechanical engineering, alongside essential "soft skills" like teamwork, project management, and resilience. Participating schools benefit from a sustainable, reusable platform that fosters high levels of student engagement and provides a clear pathway to regional and national championships.
Destination STEM Experiences provide young people with opportunities, support, and advice, to help them explore pathways into careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Developing their skills, and connecting them with employers.
This Investigative Science topic aims to enhance the practical skills and the independent investigative science skills of students taking GCSE Science.
Targeted at secondary school and sixth-form students (Years 7–13), the VEX V5 Robotics Competition is an advanced engineering programme where teams build powerful, custom-designed robots from versatile metal components.The competition bridges the gap between the classroom and industry by challenging students to master high-level C++ or Python programming, professional CAD design, and complex mechanical systems. Beyond technical excellence, participants gain a significant competitive edge for UCAS applications and apprenticeships, developing the leadership, iterative problem-solving, and professional documentation skills required for the modern engineering workforce.
This Investigative Science topic aims to enhance the practical skills and the independent investigative science skills of students taking GCSE Science.
Targeted at secondary school and sixth-form students (Years 7–13), the VEX V5 Robotics Competition is an advanced engineering programme where teams build powerful, custom-designed robots from versatile metal components.The competition bridges the gap between the classroom and industry by challenging students to master high-level C++ or Python programming, professional CAD design, and complex mechanical systems. Beyond technical excellence, participants gain a significant competitive edge for UCAS applications and apprenticeships, developing the leadership, iterative problem-solving, and professional documentation skills required for the modern engineering workforce.
Managed by STEM Cymru, EESW project work encourages sixth form students to consider a career in STEM by giving them a positive experience working with professional engineers in an industrial setting.
In2STEM is a fantastic opportunity for Year 12 or S5/S6 students passionate about STEM. Running from July to August, the programme offers a blend of online and in-person activities, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to excel in STEM.
Placements are located within commutable distance, ensuring all students can easily participate. In2STEM is entirely free to join, and a bursary is provided to cover travel and lunch expenses during placements! To date, In2STEM have supported 5,350 young people on across the UK, from Exeter to Edinburgh.
Managed by STEM Cymru, EESW project work encourages sixth form students to consider a career in STEM by giving them a positive experience working with professional engineers in an industrial setting.
In2STEM is a fantastic opportunity for Year 12 or S5/S6 students passionate about STEM. Running from July to August, the programme offers a blend of online and in-person activities, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to excel in STEM.
Placements are located within commutable distance, ensuring all students can easily participate. In2STEM is entirely free to join, and a bursary is provided to cover travel and lunch expenses during placements! To date, In2STEM have supported 5,350 young people on across the UK, from Exeter to Edinburgh.
Celebrating with CREST Awards!
Build young people's confidence and pride in their achievements with CREST Award certificates. Celebrate their participation and achievements in assembly, STEM club or community group, recognising their hard work and enthusiasm for STEM!
CREST Accreditation
CREST has been inspiring young minds for 40 years! CREST Accrediting your STEM activities will demonstrate the quality of your STEM activities and project work.
