CREST evaluation reports
Impact evidence
The following reports demonstrate how CREST supports educators and successfully engages young people of all abilities, with practical STEM challenges and project work. Through these experiences, learners develop the confidence, skills, and independent thinking needed to tackle local and global challenges.
Engage Network & CREST 2025
Complied using evidence from our Engage Teacher Network. (A network of teachers working in challenging circumstances.) This Impact Ed report explores the benefits of CREST, including evidence that CREST increases young people's grit.
CREST Star Kit Boxes 2025
Summary report about the benefits of using CREST Star Kit Boxes to engage very young children with practical STEM activities, and how they provide an all-in-one solution for teachers.
Integrating Project Work 2024
This summary illustrates the benefits of integrating CREST into the secondary curriculum, including giving young people a more realistic experience of science in the workplace.
CREST & Curriculum 2023
This Gatsby Foundation funded report details how CREST can be successfully integrated into the secondary curriculum, to raise attainment, develop skills, and improve attitudes to STEM careers.
CREST Kit Box Pilot 2023
This report summarises the NCR Foundation funded CREST Kit Box pilot, demonstrating how the boxes successfully overcome barriers to delivering high-quality practical STEM activities.
CREST Discovery Days 2023
A quick read summarising the benefits of using CREST Discovery Day project activities to engage primary and secondary students, including positive impacts to their attitudes to STEM careers.
CREST Impact Report 2022
This report highlights how CREST helps overcome barriers to practical STEM participation, supported by engagement data and stories from young people who have benefited from completing CREST projects.
Making It Happen 2020
A thorough examination of why, and how, to embed investigative practical science in the curriculum. Includes top tips and case studies from a range of education settings and subjects.
Silver Awards Impact 2017
Undertaken by Pro Bono Economics, this report concludes CREST has greater impact on students eligible for free school meals (FSM) and that students who complete CREST projects are 21% more likely to take a STEM AS level.
Practical Project Work 2016
Completed by Wellcome, this rapid review report concludes that practical research projects in science, including CREST, raise attainment, and interest in science and STEM careers.
Further information & contact details
If you are interested in funding or supporting opportunities for young people to engage with CREST challenges and project work, please visit the webpage below. For questions about our reports or funding CREST, please get in touch.
