Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to Parentkind's report entitled The National Parent Survey 2026, what steps her Department is taking to increase the level of STEM opportunities in schools.

The department supports science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) opportunities through a broad and ambitious science curriculum. All pupils are taught biology, chemistry, mathematics and computing as part of their compulsory education. Schools can build on the national curriculum through practical science and wider STEM enrichment, such as clubs, competitions, visits and employer engagement. In addition, the department-funded National Centre for Computing Education facilitates industry-led events for pupils, to raise awareness of opportunities in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI). The department-funded Advanced Mathematics Support Programme also runs the Maths into AI programme, which aims to build understanding in the mathematics behind data science and artificial intelligence for students aged 16 to 19.

Beyond the curriculum, the department has published a new Enrichment Framework and we are working in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to deliver the £22.5 million Enrichment Expansion Programme for over 400 schools.

This is alongside a variety of governmental programmes which can support schools with enrichment, such as TechYouth. DCMS’s Every Child Can programme will deliver £132.5 million for new activities programmes structured around the five enrichment categories within the framework, delivered through schools, community programmes, weekend activities and holiday provision.

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon has been appointed as the Wider Life and Future Skills Ambassador (including STEM), to highlight effective enrichment practice, and help develop and expand opportunities for young people.