From gaming careers at the British Motor Museum to a science escape room at the National Physical Laboratory, here is a roundup of free and bookable STEM days for primary and secondary school groups.
Science Museum
The Science Museum in London is holding a STEM Skills Fair on 24th November, offering KS3 and KS4 students the chance to meet employers across a range of industries and have inspiring careers-focused conversations.
Lasting two hours, the event consists of two sessions. The Careers Uncovered session will see students meet a wide variety of employers and try out an aspect of their role through practical activities.
Students will then have a chance to take part in a Q&A with Employers and ask them about any questions they might have about their careers, from aspects of the job to the qualifications and experience needed to get there.
Schools can register for the STEM Skills Fair now. Careers Uncovered sessions also run throughout the year and can be combined with wider school visits to the Science Museum.
British Motor Museum
This autumn term, the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire will partner with Playground Games to host two STEM Careers Days for KS2 students. Held on 13th & 14th October, the days will feature hands-on activities, interactive tours and inspirational talks.
Students will have the chance to explore real-world STEM skills and discover how their interests and school studies could lead to future careers. The day also includes trails and Museum tours, plus hands-on workshops with the learning and archive teams, exploring inventions, innovators, and the skills needed for future success.
Becky Kalam, community and outreach project manager at Playground Games, who make Forza Horizon 6, will be leading an interactive talk about careers in the games industry, and students will be able to explore the Forza Horizon 6: The Experience exhibition, to learn more about careers in the games industry and try out the gaming simulation rigs to see different roles in action.
The British Motor Museum holds regular STEM Careers Days throughout the academic year, with events for secondary groups typically taking place in the summer term.
RAF Museum
The RAF Museum in London will be hosting a free STEM Day for Year 6 groups on 12th and 13th November. Three schools will be invisted to the museum to take part in a range of STEM activities, including coding, a themed treasure hunt and a challenge to design a bridge.
Applications for the STEM Days this November are open now. STEM Days later in the academic year will take place on 22nd & 23rd June 2027, with the 23rd available only to girls to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (applications open week commencing 26th April 2027).
Forces in STEM is returning to the RAF Museum London on 11th March 2027 during British Science Week, open to Year 5 and 6 classes from schools across London and the South East.
During the free event, pupils can visit the stands of STEM industry leaders including Royal Air Force, British Airways and the Royal Navy to learn more about their work, and there will be an science-based show on offer throughout the day (tickets allocated on a first-come-first-served basis). Bookings for Forces in STEM open this autumn term.
National Physical Laboratory
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington, London is holding a free Discovery Day for secondary pupils on 11th November, focused on measurement, SI units and STEM at the UK’s National Metrology Institute.
Schools can choose from a morning or afternoon session featuring four hands-on activities and interactive talks. Expect demonstrations and practical tasks, a liquid nitrogen show, a science escape room and science talks. Throughout the day, pupils can talk to scientists and engineers to learn about a wide range of STEM careers.
Registration is open now; schools should email outreach@npl.co.uk to apply.
