The CREST Awards scheme is the British Science Association’s flagship programme for young people, around 40’000 students in the UK gain CREST Awards every year. It is the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme for STEM project work (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, providing science enrichment activities to inspire and engage 5-to-19-year olds. 

CREST is delivered by educators (teachers, technicians, club leaders, home educators etc.)  CREST can be run in schools, clubs, youth groups, other organisations or at home.

There are six CREST Award Levels, but the levels are non sequential, students do not need to have completed the levels below in order to be eligible for an Award. 

CREST is non-competitive, as long as the project meets all the CREST criteria at the expected level they will achieve their Award. Silver and Gold Awards are submitted for external assessment, all other levels are assessed by you (or another educator at your organisation), using the assessment framework we provide. 

CREST offers educators an easy-to-run framework for curriculum enhancement, it is widely recognised as a mark of high quality for STEM project work, and is student-led, encouraging young people to take ownership of their own projects. The Awards are well regarded, high quality and a tangible recognition of success.

CREST gives students the chance to participate in hands-on science through investigations and enquiry-based learning, supporting them to solve real-life STEM challenges through practical investigation and discussion.