Passport to STEM success as schools join pilot

A “transformative initiative” is aiming to boost STEM engagement among young students in the North East.

The North East STEM Foundation (NESF) has partnered with RTC North to launch the ‘Pupil Passport’ pilot at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, in Billingham, near Stockton.

Organisers say the programme, which involves nine schools including St Paul’s and more than 650 pupils across the Tees Valley, will encourage curiosity in STEM subjects while highlighting real-world applications.

Sheena Sinclair, headteacher at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, said: “The Pupil Passport is a great idea. 

“It will specifically encourage students to seek opportunities and mark their achievements in clubs, competitions, awards, industry visits, reading STEM-related books and meeting STEM ambassadors.”

Business support organisation RTC North, which comprises entrepreneurs, technologists, engineers, scientists and researchers, says it is partnering with NESF to inspire young people and build “a pipeline of skilled talent for the industries of the future”.

Claire Willis, STEM team leader at RTC North, added: “We are proud to partner with NESF on this transformative initiative, which has the potential to encourage thousands of young people and help create a pipeline of skilled talent for the industries of the future.

“Through this partnership, we hope to encourage businesses across the region to open their doors, share their expertise and contribute to helping young people access the tools, resources and inspiration they need to succeed in STEM careers.”

If successful, the initiative will expand regionwide in the 2025/26 academic year, bringing in more employers, STEM ambassadors and funding partners to support site visits and workshops.

Tania Cooper, chair of NESF, which last year engaged more than 3000 children in STEM experiences with employers including Filtronic, Hitachi and AESC, added: “Our mission is to foster continuous engagement, ensuring every young person, regardless of background, has access to quality STEM education and our Pupil Passport serves as a tangible record of each student’s journey.

“We’re urging employers across the region to get involved - whether by hosting industry site visits, delivering engaging workshops or by sponsoring Primary STEM Days.”

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