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.
In December we played host, with ARU, to students and teachers from all over Essex at our third annual series of FREE Christmas Lectures for schools.
The lectures are proving to be more and more popular each year – so much so that this time we had to offer two different speakers to satisfy demand! On Wednesday 10 December 2025, Professor Neil Lawrence, Deepmind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge, presented his lecture entitled “The Atomic Human”. Students were asked to think about what makes us human and Prof Lawrence explained why he thinks that Artificial Intelligence can never replace the human brain.
The following week we welcomed Grace Dickinson from Reptiles Etc. In a very different lecture, “Animal Encounters”, she spoke about relationships between humans and animals throughout time. From the earliest encounters with wolves, to rats used to locate landmines, Grace explained how animals work with humans to benefit us all. She went on to speak about her work as an “Animal Wrangler” in the film industry and the lecture ended with some thrilling demonstrations, including a Barn Owl flying just above the heads of the students!
Read more: AI and Animal Wrangling: The CSES/ARU Christmas Lectures 2025
TEXPO Schools' Competition: Fri 26 June 2026, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford
We are pleased to advise the date for the 2026 CSES Schools' Technology Exhibition (TEXPO).
The dates will be as follows:
- The TEXPO will take place on Friday 26 June 2026 (confirmed).
- The awards evening will take place on the evening of Thursday 9 July 2026 (TBC).
Please note that this is not the same as the provisional date (19 June) given in the call for expressions of interest. This is due to venue availability and we apologise for any difficulty this may cause.
Find out more about the competition here.
We will provide full details and open for registration in the new year.
FREE club starting 24 January 2026 for Year 10 students – apply now
We are pleased to offer Year 10 students the opportunity to take part in the 2026 National Saturday Club which CSES will host, once again, at ARU in Chelmsford. As with everything we do at CSES, the Saturday Club is completely free of charge!
The club will provide an opportunity for year 10 students to experience a range of different Science and Engineering topics using the state-of-the-art Super Lab and workshop facilities at ARU's Chelmsford Campus. Each session will explore the science and engineering behind real life activities and problems that can affect our daily lives. In addition to laboratory and workshop sessions, there will also be visits to science and technology related organisations. The NSC also organise for us a masterclass with leading industry professionals and a Summer Show at Somerset House in July.
Students uncover the world of game design
In October 2025, we hosted 110 students from seven schools at an event, designed with young people for young people, to showcase the career opportunities available within the game design industry.
Organised by CSES in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University and Culture Chelmsford (including Spark! Youth Forum), and supported by Essex County Council, Game On! was a half-day industry spotlight event held as part of the Chelmsford Science Festival.
In workshops, presented by industry professionals and academics expert in the field, students created an audio clip to accompany an action scene, thought about the development of games from the very first idea through to marketing the finished product, had a go at creating their own simple games, heard about a day in the life of a professional games developer and learned about the educational routes and skill-sets needed for success in the field.
CSES attends annual Braintree Careers Fair
On Wednesday 24 September 2025, Roger Pittock and Ed Bye spent the day at Chelmsford City Racecourse, flying the CSES banner at the annual Braintree Careers Fair.
Over 1,500 year 11 (aged 15 – 16) students from 8 schools attended, two schools at a time to a strict timetable. The large marquee was divided into two sections, each serving in excess of 50 manned stands from a wide range of industries and further education establishments. School groups of around 190 students spent 30 minutes in each section.
- 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
- CSES Wins SheCanCode STEM Educator Award
- Felsted Pupils and Essex REMAP at Billericay Soapbox Derby 2025
- CSES TEXPO 2025 is open!
- A Festive STEM Adventure: The CSES/ARU Christmas Lecture 2024
- Big Bang Competition 2025