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CREST Awards - Will a CREST award help me with my UCAS application? (British Science Association)

British Science Association (CREST Awards)

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In-person, Remote•£
22dAges 3–18
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Want to boost your UCAS personal statement? Join CREST Awards to lead a recognised STEM project, build independent research, project-management and problem-solving skills, and show employers and universities tangible evidence of your work.

CREST Awards (run by the British Science Association) are nationally and internationally recognised STEM awards that validate student-led projects across science, engineering, maths, computing and related subjects. The page explains that CREST is valued by UCAS and employers as evidence of independent research, project management, problem solving and practical science skills, and can be referenced in university personal statements.

Awards are offered at multiple levels with guidance for typical ages and expected project time: Star (3-7), SuperStar (7-11), Discovery (11-14), Bronze (11+ ~10 hours), Silver (14+ ~30 hours) and Gold (16+ ~70 hours). Projects can be practical investigations, design & make, research or communication and can be run in schools, clubs, youth groups or at home.

Gold and Silver are externally assessed.

Applications are submitted via the CREST application platform (apply. crestawards. org).

Applicants upload project work, complete profile forms, and pay entry fees by invoice; Silver/Gold projects are assessed after payment (assessment typically 2-6 weeks). CREST provides resources, guidance on assessment criteria and funding support (including Engage Grants) to help schools in challenging circumstances.

Qualification Outcome

CREST Award certificate at Star, SuperStar, Discovery, Bronze, Silver or Gold level

BiologyChemistryEngineeringComputer ScienceMathematicsPhysicsPsychologySociologyEconomicsEnglishGeographyHistoryMusicOtherScience, Research & Sustainability
Duration: Varies by level: Star activities ~1 hour each; Discovery ~5 hours; Bronze ~10 hours; Silver ~30 hours; Gold ~70 hours (approximate expected student hours required).

Location

In-person, Remote
United Kingdom
  • Age/level guidance by award: Star (typical ages 3-7), SuperStar (7-11), Discovery (11-14), Bronze (11+), Silver (14+), Gold (16+).
  • Groups can be up to 15 students when applying as a group.
  • Minimum order sizes apply for some levels: UK minimums for Star/SuperStar/Discovery and international minimums for Star/SuperStar/Discovery/Bronze as specified.
  • Silver and Gold submissions are externally assessed; payment must be received before assessment/certificates are issued.
  • Projects must meet the CREST assessment criteria for the chosen level (e.g., Bronze: ~10 hours and 11/15 criteria).
  • Applications can be created by a student, educator, parent or organisation; students may apply independently for Silver/Gold.
Pay & Benefits

Application fees (per student) vary by level and location. UK fees: Star/SuperStar £1, Discovery £3, Bronze £6, Silver £15, Gold £30 (prices include VAT where stated). International fees are higher (e.g., Star/SuperStar £5, Discovery £7.50, Bronze £12.50, Silver £25, Gold £40). CREST Awards are free in Scotland. All fees are invoiced; payment required before certification/assessment.

Participation Fee

£1

Lowest standard UK participant fee is £1 (Star/SuperStar). Fees increase by award level and for international submissions; UK government funding reduces UK prices and Scotland submissions are free. Fees are paid by invoice; minimum order sizes apply for some levels and international postage.

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