Education
We are a key provider and coordinator of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education activities and support in Essex. These are for students at school and home, and are designed to both stimulate an interest in STEM and to open possible career paths.
» See upcoming CSES events for schools, children and families
Including our flagship annual TEXPO, projects and online competitions throughout the year.
Out-of-school clubs, masterclasses and projects to enhance learning with fun, practical activities.
Financial and in-kind support for your STEM Club, project or activity at school.
Interactive conferences attended by students, industry partners and the public sector.
A FREE annual CSES/ARU lecture from a high-profile speaker, open to all schools.
Careers guidance, STE(A)M activities, ideas and other material for all ages both in school and at home.
Take inspiration from what others have been getting up to.
Talk to us about dedicated support, resources, projects and competitions for your school.
Connect Your Students with the Future of Gaming at Playable Worlds on 21 October 2026
As part of the upcoming Chelmsford Science Festival, we are thrilled to invite your school to participate in the Playable Worlds youth-led gaming fringe festival coming to Chelmsford this October.
We are officially booking school groups for our dedicated Schools' Day on Wednesday 21 October, and want to ensure your students have the opportunity to attend. This is open to years 9-11.
To sign your school up to this event, please complete the simple registration form at: https://forms.microsoft.com/e/r6HQT8wGBh.
Congratulations to everyone who won an award at the 2026 CSES TEXPO, which took place on Friday 26 June 2026 at Anglia Ruskin University.
We are very pleased to announce that the winners are as follows:
Game on! Chelmsford event showcases careers in gaming
Following the successful pilot in October 2025, a special careers event at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in April 2026 showcases career opportunities in video gaming.
Schoolchildren from across Essex have come together to explore careers in the games industry at an event organised by CSES and hosted by ARU. The event aimed to encourage youngsters to explore the careers behind best-selling video games, from coding and sound design to writing, voiceover work and graphic design.
A short video of the event is available on the Essex County Council YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO0le1TWzjM.
For British Science Week (6-15 March 2026), Ed Bye and Nigel Stephens represented CSES at The Boswells School Science Fair. With exhibitors from other local organisations, they worked with Year 9 and Year 7 students on the school’s chosen theme of "Curiosity".
Activities and Displays
A set of hands‑on exhibits encouraged students to explore science and engineering through play, questioning, and practical investigation.
- A robotic comfort cat designed for dementia patients drew steady attention and opened discussions about assistive technology.
- LED eyelashes on a model head showed one way how electronics are being used in the fashion and beauty industries.
- A box of “electronic poo” – a humorous container filled with dead batteries – prompted conversations about recycling, waste management, and battery safety.
- An artificial‑urine battery powering an LED demonstrated how energy can be recovered from a natural by‑product that is normally flushed away. The exhibit showed how this waste stream can generate a small amount of electricity, reducing the cost on sanitation systems by turning part of that waste into a useful output.
- Hand dynamometers allowed students to test and compare their grip strength.
- Ring and peg puzzles challenged problem‑solving skills and persistence.
Now accepting entries for our annual STEM competition and exhibition
Welcome to the CSES Annual STEM Competition, TEXPO, a premier event that celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of students across Essex. This competition provides a unique platform for young minds to showcase their innovative projects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Why Participate?
Participating in the TEXPO offers numerous benefits:
- Exposure to Industry Professionals: Your projects will be judged by experienced scientists and engineers, providing valuable feedback and career insights.
- Skill Development: Enhance your research, presentation, and problem-solving skills through hands-on project work and public speaking.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet and interact with peers from other schools, local dignitaries, and industry leaders.
- Recognition and Awards: Compete for substantial cash prizes and accolades that can bolster your CV or university applications.
- AI and Animal Wrangling: The CSES/ARU Christmas Lectures 2025
- TEXPO 2026: Save the Date
- Science and Engineering Saturday Club 2026
- Game On!
- A day at the racecourse!
- STEM Club Bursary 2025: Priory Primary School
- STEM Club Bursary 2025: Cherry Tree Primary School
- CSES Imagine! Saturday Club completes its third year
- Game On! – Uncover the world of game design – A Chelmsford Science Festival industry spotlight event for students
- 2025 TEXPO results