Cornish Non-Profit Helps Schools Access £3,000 for STEM Learning

The Department for Education’s new Curriculum recommendations have reignited national conversations about the future of STEM education. Across the country, teachers and education leaders have welcomed the renewed focus on practical learning in science, computing and engineering. Yet in Cornwall, many schools are asking how they can turn these ambitions into reality when they are already struggling with limited budgets, staff shortages and outdated equipment.

Computing, science and DT courses have been cut in some areas due to a lack of specialist teachers. There are shortages of skilled technicians, with some schools struggling to retain maths and science teachers, especially in secondary schools. Colleges have reported students sharing laptops to complete digital based degrees in computing and games development. While teachers may be eager to embrace the new curriculum, they often lack the time, training and resources needed to deliver it effectively. Without increased investment in teachers, salaries, CPD and equipment, many schools fear that the gap between policy ambition and classroom reality will continue to grow.

TECgirls (part of TECwomen CIC), a Cornwall-based non-profit dedicated to inspiring girls to explore technology, engineering and creative digital careers, is working to change that. Caitlin Gould, founder of TECgirls was asked to speak last week at the Royal Society Practical Science conference on the challenges currently facing schools in rural and coastal areas. Caitlin said;

“It was great to have such a large platform to discuss the challenges we’ve seen in reaching children and especially young girls across the far South West. Schools we work with on our education programmes report real challenges in delivering high quality STEM education.”

For the past three years, TECgirls has been collaborating with schools across Cornwall to make STEM learning accessible, practical and inspiring. Through its Mentor Clubs for primary schools, TECgirls has created ready-to-run STEM sessions that not only give girls the chance to explore new skills but also provide valuable professional development for teachers. The TECgirls Pioneer Challenge Days for Key Stage 3 students bring STEM to life by connecting girls with real industry role models and experiences that meet the Gatsby Benchmarks forcareers education. Recently, TECgirls hosted an Aviation and Aerospace Work Experience Week that placed girls aged 16-18 from Cornwall inside real workshops and design labs, giving them a rare opportunity to work on projects including the restoration of a Spitfire aircraft.

Through these initiatives, TECgirls has learned that teachers in Cornwall are enthusiastic about delivering exciting, practical STEM learning but need sustained support, guidance and funding to make it happen. The organisation is now helping schools access resources and build confidence through new partnerships and opportunities.

TECgirls has teamed up with The Royal Society to help schools in Cornwall and Devon access their Partnership Grant Scheme, which offers up to £3,000 in funding. The scheme supports pupils aged 5 to 18, enabling schools and colleges to work directly with STEM professionals on hands-on research in areas such as climate science, biodiversity, materials and manufacturing. The grants help schools purchase equipment, build practical experiments, and bring real-world science into the classroom. TECgirls is focused on raising awareness of the opportunity and providing application support to rural schools that might otherwise miss out.