CREST is Britain’s largest national award scheme for project work in the STEM subjects – over 30,000 young people have achieved CREST Awards in the last year alone. Run by the British Science Association, CREST gives young people aged 11-19 opportunities to explore real world projects in an exciting way – both in and out of class.

“I believe one of the greatest benefits the British Science Association brings is its efforts to enthuse young people about science.” - Professor Robert Winston

CREST was established over 25 years ago. UCAS endorse CREST Awards for inclusion in students’ personal statements – they’re well regarded, high-quality and a tangible recognition of success.

There are three levels of CREST Award – Bronze (typically 11- 14yrs), Silver (typically 14-16yrs) and Gold (typically 16-19yrs). Each is extremely flexible – students can carry out an investigation or design and make project, research a subject, or design a science communication activity. Students are encouraged to follow their own interests. The scheme is supported through an established network of around 40 Local Coordinators across the UK.

The joy of the scheme is that it unlocks the potential of all students. When you enter your students for a CREST Award, you can also be confident that they will be developing skills linked to the requirements of the curriculum.

CREST is designed to be flexible. Project work can be achieved within curriculum time and will support work experience placements, after-schools clubs or numerous linked schemes including: the Engineering Educational Scheme, Go4SET, the Science Museum Club Box Kits, The Smallpeice Trust’s Engineering Experience Courses and Nuffield Science Bursaries, giving them a national currency and ensuring quality standards. At Silver and Gold levels, CREST Mentors facilitate links between schools, academia and industry.

CREST has a strong, positive impact on students' attitudes to STEM and improves their aspirations for STEM-based careers. Many teachers feel that the scheme helps inform their teaching too.

Each year the achievements of CREST students are celebrated at The Big Bang events – in 2011 all winners of the National Science & Engineering Competition had a CREST Award displaying the value of the award.