British Science Week (BSW) is an annual programme of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) events and activities. It will next take place 6-15 March 2026 with the theme of ‘Curiosity: what’s your question?’.
Grants of £400 will support schools in challenging circumstances to take part in British Science Week, widening access to events and activities and therefore helping the learning and development of children through science and engineering-based activities.
Applications are encouraged for activities or events which align with BSW priorities, including those that:
- Involve children supported by Free School Meals, from ethnic minority backgrounds, with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) or from any other groups of young people more likely to be underrepresented in STEM.
- Support girls to develop their STEM skills, understanding and passions.
- Engage children who would not normally choose to participate in STEM activities.
- Are embedded in their local community and involve the wider community as a core audience.
- Challenge stereotypes about science.
- Make science relatable by connecting it young people’s personal experiences and interests, local environments, and community.
- Support children and young people to take initiative and actively lead activities.
- Are cross-curricular and include teachers, professionals or organisations from outside STEM.
- Raise awareness of the diverse range of careers that studying STEM subjects can lead to.
- Have an impact on STEM activities throughout the year.
There are no restrictions on the activities or events that can be run using the funding and the grants can be used to cover costs such as CREST Award entry fees, consumables, small equipment, field trips, speakers, presenters, and outreach shows.
State-funded, non-selective schools or colleges, Ofsted-registered Early Years nurseries or preschools in the UK can apply.
To be eligible, schools must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Over 30% of pupils eligible for pupil premium or equivalent.
- Over 30% of pupils who are from minority ethnic backgrounds.
- Be a small school based in a remote and rural location.
Please note there is a shorter application window this year ‘due to unforeseen delays in confirming the funding for these grants’ and there is less funding provided.
The application deadline is 24 November 2025 (17:00)
