STEMFEST 2026
More than 400 pupils from 14 schools came together for STEMFest 2026 as well as a large number of RHS pupils, an exciting celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths designed to inspire curiosity and showcase how STEM connects to real-world careers.
This year, STEMFest partnered with Sizewell C, giving pupils a unique insight into how STEM underpins major infrastructure projects and careers in the energy sector. Sizewell C’s Power Up programme, delivered by Skill Supply, was also onsite delivering a hands-on skills workshop while highlighting future careers linked to the Sizewell C project.
The theme of the festival was curiosity – encouraging pupils to ask questions, explore new ideas and see the world through the lens of science. From the moment they arrived, pupils were invited to engage, experiment and discover.
Pupils took part in a wide range of interactive activities, from launching rocket balloons to coding Sphero robots, examining owl pellets with the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, experimenting with nitrogen, piloting drones, using a hover board and exploring the universe inside the immersive Wonderdome planetarium. Pupils also had the pleasure of seeing some energetic science shows delivered by the prestigious The Royal Institution, offering also valuable professional development for some of our visiting Science specialists.
Outdoor sessions encouraged scientific observation, with pupils scanning the tower to spot peregrine falcons and learn about wildlife monitoring, using binoculars and telescopes from Viking Optics, while indoor workshops explored careers and surveying equipment used in Civil Engineering and construction, delivered by 'GAP', psychology, and Crumble coding. There was also some plant machinery on the parade square, all delivered and supported by Strabag and GAP, who we work alongside with our DEC project work with Year 7-9 classes in Design and Technology
The festival also included an Immersive Pathways experience, using VR Headsets and the opportunity to look at careers, helping pupils understand how their classroom learning could translate into real-world STEM opportunities. In amongst our digital hub, pupils indulged in creating their own AI avatars and celebrating Pi Day and curiosity with our interactive displays.
Teachers reported that pupils left the event feeling inspired, more confident and excited about the possibilities that STEM can offer.
Beverly Maloney, Teacher of DT, RHS STEM Lead & STEMFest Organiser:
“#STEMFEST26 has been a fantastic celebration of curiosity, creativity and real‑world STEM. From hands‑on engineering experiences to conversations with industry experts, all of the pupils involved have have the opportunity to embrace and explore how STEM shapes their world and how it can shape their future. It has been particularly wonderful to see so many of our local schools, Sizewell C, Strabag, GAP and some major presenters get involved too, for what has become our biggest STEM event so far and in its fifth year running. I believe that creating events like this truly empower young people to see themselves as the next generation of innovators and problem‑solvers, and we’re incredibly proud of our own pupils and their enthusiasm throughout the week as STEMFEST becomes the finale to a week of celebrating curiosity during British Science Week.”
Chris Young, Head of Employment Affairs Unit at Sizewell C, said:
“Major projects like ours show just how essential it is to invest in young people’s education. Today’s students will help build the nationally significant infrastructure projects of the future, and we have a responsibility to help ignite their curiosity and build their confidence. By supporting local schools and creating meaningful learning opportunities, we’re not only developing the talent needed for the future energy workforce - but we’re also empowering the next generation to help shape the world they will one day lead.”
Sizewell C is a new 3.2GW nuclear power station being built on the Suffolk coast and is one of the largest clean energy projects in Britain. Once operational, it will provide low-carbon electricity to around six million homes for at least 60 years.
The project is also expected to support tens of thousands of jobs across the UK and create 1,500 apprenticeships, including 540 for Suffolk residents.
Through initiatives such as the Youth Council, the Young Sizewell C programme and the Power Up initiative – which supports STEM workshops and after-school clubs – the project is helping to inspire and develop the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.