To finish off primary month in the STEM Community, I'd like to introduce STEM Learning's new Primary STEM Benchmarks.
Across primary education, there is growing recognition of the importance of high-quality STEM teaching. Schools are working hard to develop rich, engaging experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but many leaders tell us the same thing: bringing this together into a coherent, strategic whole can feel challenging.
That is why we have developed the Primary STEM Benchmarks.
This new framework has been designed to support schools in taking a step back, reflecting on their current provision, and identifying meaningful next steps for improvement. It is grounded in research, shaped by classroom practice, and built with the realities of primary schools in mind.
What are the Primary STEM Benchmarks?
The Primary STEM Benchmarks provide a clear, structured framework to help schools evaluate and develop their STEM provision. They bring together what we know from research and effective practice to outline what strong STEM education can look like across a whole school.
At their heart, the benchmarks are about supporting schools to offer high-quality STEM opportunities for every child, building curiosity, problem solving and understanding of the world around them.
They recognise that STEM is not just about individual subjects, but about how they connect. While maintaining the integrity of disciplines such as science, mathematics, design and technology and computing, the benchmarks also support schools to create meaningful links between them through real-world contexts and problem solving.
The framework is designed to be adaptable and relevant to any curriculum approach. Rather than prescribing a single way of working, it provides a shared language and structure that schools can use in a way that fits their context.
A tool for reflection, not judgement
It is important to be clear about what the Primary STEM Benchmarks are, and what they are not.
They are not a quality mark, an award, or a checklist to be ‘achieved’.
Instead, they are designed as a self-assessment and improvement tool. They are there to support professional dialogue, to help leaders and teams reflect honestly on their current practice, and to identify priorities for development.
We know from research and experience that sustainable improvement comes from within schools, through thoughtful leadership, collaboration and ongoing professional learning. The benchmarks are intended to support exactly this kind of work.
They can be used to:
- start conversations across staff teams
- support subject leaders in articulating a clear vision
- identify strengths and areas for development
- plan strategically for long-term improvement
Grounded in research and effective practice
The Primary STEM Benchmarks are underpinned by a strong evidence base and align with what we know about effective STEM education.
They build on key fundamentals such as:
- high-quality teaching
- carefully sequenced curriculum design
- sustained professional learning for teachers
They also reflect the importance of problem solving, communication and deep understanding - ensuring that children are not just learning content, but developing the skills and dispositions needed to apply their learning in meaningful ways.
What will the benchmarks support schools to do?
Used over time, the benchmarks can help schools to:
- develop a clear and coherent vision for STEM across the school
- strengthen subject-specific teaching while making purposeful connections between disciplines
- build pupils’ curiosity, confidence and problem-solving skills
- ensure STEM learning is relevant, inclusive and connected to the real world
- prepare children for their role in a rapidly changing, technology-driven society
Ultimately, they support schools to think strategically about STEM, rather than seeing it as an ‘add-on’.
An invitation to get involved
We are now preparing to launch a trial of the Primary STEM Benchmarks in the Autumn term.
We are looking for schools who would like to be part of this next phase — helping us to refine the framework and supporting guidance materials so they can best support practice in real classrooms.
Schools involved in the trial will have the opportunity to:
- use the benchmarks for self-assessment and development planning
- access supporting guidance materials
- engage with a set of self-paced online courses designed to deepen understanding
- contribute feedback to shape the future development of the benchmarks
We are particularly keen to hear from a diverse range of schools, and we warmly welcome interest from both UK and international settings.
Looking ahead
The Primary STEM Benchmarks are not about quick fixes or ticking boxes. They are about creating space for thoughtful reflection and long-term improvement.
Our aim is simple: to support every primary school in providing a meaningful, high-quality STEM education that enables children to understand the world, think critically, and see the possibilities ahead of them.
If you are interested in being part of the Autumn trial, you can express your interest and receive further information regarding time scales and commitments through this online form.