News / We The Curious
6,600 Bristol pupils to benefit from free STEM access programme
Supported by a funding package worth nearly £150,000, We The Curious is set to launch a three-year schools programme to spark interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects among Bristol pupils.
The Bristol-based science centre and museum has secured £149,101 from the John James Bristol Foundation, which has been committed to “giving back to the people of Bristol” since its inception in 1983.
Launching in September 2025 following a successful pilot, the initiative will aim at Year 3 pupils from across postcodes BS1–16, particularly those from schools with high levels of free school meal eligibility.
is needed now More than ever
Over the next three years, 6,600 children will receive free access to We The Curious’ interactive exhibits, science shows and planetarium, along with free transport.
Over the next three years, 6,600 children will receive free access to We The Curious’ interactive exhibits, science shows and planetarium – photo: We The Curious
Donna Speed, chief executive of We The Curious, said: “As we head into our 25th anniversary year, we’re delighted to be launching this programme which’ll enable us to be more ambitious than ever in our mission to open up science to everyone.
“Science really can transform lives, but only if everyone has the chance to take part. Thousands miss out, not because they lack potential but because of financial barriers. True innovation thrives on diversity, yet too many young, brilliant minds are shut out before they even begin — if we don’t act now, we risk losing our next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators and creators.
“We’re very grateful to the John James Bristol Foundation for their support in helping us to launch this new schools programme, enabling us to reach more children in Bristol — every child deserves the chance to be curious, inspired, and see a future in science.”
The programme aims to improve diversity in STEM by engaging children at a crucial educational stage — the transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 — when lasting interest in these subjects can be fostered.
“Science really can transform lives, but only if everyone has the chance to take part,” said Donna Speed, chief executive of We The Curious – photo: /Alisa FineronWe The Curious
It comes at a time when Bristol continues to face significant challenges around educational inequality. According to Bristol City Council’s Key Facts 2023, South Bristol is home to three of England’s five worst-performing areas for progression to higher education.
The city ranks seventh worst nationally for multiple inequalities, with 41 areas among the most deprived 10 per cent in England, and low social mobility further highlighted by the Sutton Trust.
In response, We The Curious has been working closely with local schools to understand the barriers to STEM engagement.
With backing from the John James Bristol Foundation, the Millennium Square-based science museum hopes this new programme will offer transformative opportunities for pupils from Bristol’s most under-resourced communities.
Nicola Prosser, chief executive of the John James Bristol Foundation, said: “John James’ successful business career developed from his interest in STEM subjects, and the Foundation has supported the science centre since its inception.
“Every child in Bristol should have the opportunity to marvel at the exhibits and be thrilled by the experiences on offer, so we are delighted to support We The Curious with this three-year programme. It is one of our new educational initiatives which we hope will inspire children from underserved areas of the city.”
We The Curious was reopened in 2024 after being closed for two years following a fire – photo: Martin Booth
The launch also coincides with We The Curious’ 25th anniversary and follows the centre’s reopening after a two-year closure due to a rooftop fire in 2024.
Main photo: We The Curious
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