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Free CREST in Scotland

From 20 August 2025, CREST Awards are completely free to for all young people aged 3–19 in Scotland, thanks to the generous support from the James Weir Foundation.

Scotland Edinburgh Round Image

How to claim your free CREST Awards

If you are in Scotland, you can apply for CREST Awards at no cost.

Scottish applicants can use a voucher code in the payment stage. The code will remove all application fees automatically.

The codes are distributed via our teacher and partner networks via email. If you haven’t got a code, you can request one by emailing us at crest@britishscienceassociation.org

CREST Superstar Kit (79)

How to run CREST

Explore

Stock Image This Is Engineering Original Secondary Students (1)

Explore the free activities and challenges in our Resource Library, or get creative and work on a project of your own choice.

Experiment

Your learners then complete their activities or projects, developing STEM skills and experience.

2

Submit

Create a free account on our application platform

Then complete your application for your CREST Awards. Use your voucher code in the payment stage.

Don't have a voucher? Get in touch at crest@britishscienceassociation.org

Achieve

CREST Discovery Day Infection Control (115)

After submitting all the project information, your application will be assessed. Certificates will be delivered to your Scottish delivery address for free!

4

  • Explore

    Stock Image This Is Engineering Original Secondary Students (1)

    Explore the free activities and challenges in our Resource Library, or get creative and work on a project of your own choice.

  • Experiment

    Your learners then complete their activities or projects, developing STEM skills and experience.

    2

  • Submit

    Create a free account on our application platform

    Then complete your application for your CREST Awards. Use your voucher code in the payment stage.

    Don't have a voucher? Get in touch at crest@britishscienceassociation.org

  • Achieve

    CREST Discovery Day Infection Control (115)

    After submitting all the project information, your application will be assessed. Certificates will be delivered to your Scottish delivery address for free!

    4

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Check our FAQs

From 20 August 2025, CREST Awards are completely free to for all young people aged 3–19 in Scotland, thanks to the generous support from the James Weir Foundation.

Find out more on our Free CREST in Scotland page. 

Scottish applicants can use a voucher code in the payment stage. The code will remove all application fees automatically.

The codes are distributed via our teacher and partner networks via email. If you haven’t got a code, you can request one by emailing us at crest@britishscienceassociation.org.

You will be prompted to enter your Voucher Code during the payment task on our application platform https://apply.crestawards.org/

If you are in Scotland, you can apply for CREST Awards at no cost.

Scottish applicants can use a voucher code in the payment stage. The code will remove all application fees automatically.

The codes are distributed via our teacher and partner networks via email. If you haven’t got a code, you can request one by emailing us at crest@britishscienceassociation.org.

CREST offers educators an easy-to-run framework for curriculum enhancement and is student-led, encouraging young people to take ownership of their own projects. CREST can be run in schools, clubs, youth groups, other organisations or at home.

1

Plan and get started

Explore our free activities in the Resource Library and choose your activities or projects.

2

Run your activities or complete your project

Run your selected activities or complete your own project.

3

Apply for the Award

Create a free account on our application platform to order for your certificates. Complete the application, pay for the certificates and they will be delivered to your delivery address. For Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, an assessment is required before students achieve the Award.

4

Achieve!

Celebrate your students' incredible achievement as they earn their CREST Awards. Share your experience with us -- email us, tell us in the survey, or tag us in your posts. Let's spread the joy and inspire others with the children's success!

You can apply for students (or yourself, for Silver and Gold CREST Awards) using our application platform. Create projects, add details, upload project work for Bronze, Silver and Gold, and pay your entry fees. For Silver and Gold this is where your project will be assessed by our trained assessors.

To choose the right CREST Award for your students, think about their age and ability, and how much time they can commit to the project.  

These age ranges are just a guideline.

CREST Award levels

If you need help in choosing an award level or helping your students to design an appropriate project email CREST Support at crest@britishscienceassociation.org.

Read more about award levels in our article CREST Award levels overview.

1

Star Awards

Star Awards are typically completed by 3-7 year olds. Students complete a series of 6 to 8 Star challenges, recording them in a Star passport and building up to a Star Award. Activities are designed to last about an hour, and you don't need to be a teacher or have a science background to run them. Each activity includes an organiser’s card with instructions, highlighted safety points and a resource list.

2

SuperStar Awards

SuperStar Awards are typically completed by 7-11 year olds. Students complete a series of 6 to 8 SuperStar challenges, recording them in a SuperStar passport and building up to a SuperStar Award. Activities are designed to last about an hour, and you don't need to be a teacher or have a science background to run them. Each activity includes an organiser’s card with instructions, highlighted safety points and a resource list.

3

Discovery Awards

Discovery Awards are typically completed by 11-14-year-olds. A Discovery project involves five or more hours of group work, assessed by the teacher or group leader. Students usually complete their project during a Discovery Day, using a Discovery Passport to help structure and reflect on their work.

4

Bronze Awards

Bronze Awards are typically completed by 11+ year-olds. A Bronze project involves 10 or more hours of individual or group work, assessed by the teacher or group leader. When working in a group, each student needs to complete 10+ hours of work to achieve their Award. For Bronze Awards, students use a workbook or profile form to help structure and reflect on their work.

5

Silver Awards

Silver Awards are typically completed by 14+ year-olds. A Silver project involves 30 or more hours of group work, leading to a written report. When working in a group, each student needs to complete 30+ hours of work to achieve their Award. Silver Awards are assessed externally by a BSA representative. When submitting a project for assessment, students include a profile form that includes space for them to reflect on their work.

6

Gold Awards

Gold Awards are typically completed by 16+ year-olds. A Gold project involves 70 or more hours of group work, leading to a written report. When working in a group, each student needs to complete 70+ hours of work to achieve their Award. Gold Awards are assessed externally by a BSA representative. When submitting a project for assessment, students include a profile form that includes space for them to reflect on their work.

If your voucher code is not working, this could be for a number of reasons.

Is your delivery address in Scotland?

If you are using a 'Free CREST in Scotland' voucher code, these will only work with a Scotland delivery address. 

Have you typed in the correct code?
It sounds simple, but it's always good to be sure! Check that you have spelled the code correctly, using the correct upper/lowercase format.

Is the voucher still in date?
Most vouchers are time sensitive. Check that you are using the voucher within the correct period of time.

Are you using the voucher on the correct Award level?
Not every voucher is available for every level or region. Some will only be for Bronze awards and not Discovery - or vice versa. If you were provided with the voucher code by an external organisation, check when and for what you can use a voucher code.

If you are still having an issue. email CREST Support at crest@britishscienceassociation.org

We are here to help

Find answers to your questions quickly and easily with our Help Centre FAQs. Whether you're just getting started with CREST Awards or looking for specific details on projects, resources, or submission guidelines, our comprehensive FAQs has you covered.