The evaluation, carried out in 2025, found that students aged 5–18 gained confidence, developed key STEM skills and built a clearer understanding of scientific investigation through hands on project work supported by STEM professionals. Teachers reported that the projects helped students to see real-world STEM careers and raised aspirations, particularly among young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
The evaluation also highlighted benefits for teachers and STEM partners. Early career teachers felt more confident in delivering practical science, and many schools went on to embed elements of the investigative project work into their wider curriculum. More than 90% of STEM partners described their collaborations with schools as successful and said they gained valuable outreach and communication skills.
The Partnership Grants scheme has supported over 1,400 projects and an estimated 170,000 students since 2000, providing up to £3,000 for schools to run investigative STEM projects in collaboration with scientists, engineers and industry experts.
The findings included in the summary evaluation report (PDF) reinforce the value of practical science and the importance of giving young people and teachers meaningful opportunities to work alongside active STEM professionals.
Building on the findings, the Royal Society plans to strengthen support for practical science, widen participation among schools where there is most need, and help teachers and STEM partners build longer term collaborations. The Society will also enhance resources that connect classroom investigation with future STEM study and career pathways.
The Royal Society is proud of the impact demonstrated across the Partnership Grants scheme. We are grateful to the teachers, students, STEM partners and school leaders whose commitment makes this work possible. The evaluation (PDF) provides a strong foundation for strengthening the scheme further ensuring that high quality, hands on science experiences remain accessible to young people across the UK.
Learn more about the Partnership Grants scheme.