How it works : How to enter : Rolls-Royce Science Prize

How it works

"It was a really worthwhile experience and we gained much more than I could possibly have anticipated by taking part. I would encourage other schools to take the plunge, despite the extra work!"
Alison Lardi - Billborough College

Who can enter?

The Rolls-Royce Science Prize is an annual awards programme. It is open to all teachers of science from all schools and colleges in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Teachers can enter in three age categories: 3–11, 11–16 and 16–19.

Your entry

We are asking you to submit an idea for a science-teaching project that meets a need in your school or college. The project can be in any area of science. It can be a new idea or a development of something you have been working on for some time. The most important thing is to be innovative and come up with unusual ideas.

Have a look at the Previous entries. Here you can search entries by category and find some inspiration. Also, the Winners 2006-07 will give you an idea of the projects we are looking for.

Submitting your entry

Teachers submit their entry online and with the help of a Team. The entry is a detailed, budgeted proposal, setting out teaching objectives, the implementation outline and methods of monitoring and evaluation. Each team also sets out the rationale for the selection of its members.

Proposals can form part of a formal school improvement or development plan and schools and colleges can enter more than one team or join up with others to form joint entries.

Have a look at the Sample entry form Download our Guidance pack

Two-year competition

Year 1

Teams submit their entries online
Proposals are judged by a group of practicing teachers and science education advisors
Judges recommend a list of finalists
Nine finalists are nominated and receive £5,000* each and the support of a specialist mentor to implement their proposals. They also receive a digital video camera
Fifty schools and colleges who do not reach the finals but still submit entries of a very high standard can win Special Merit Awards of £1,000* each.

Year 2

Finalist schools are given the support of a mentor to implement their work
Finalist schools carry out their proposals over a 24-week period and document this online (text and video)
Judges assess the submitted documentation and recommend a winner and runner-up
Finalists attend the Rolls-Royce Science Prize awards dinner
The winner receives £15,000*, the runner-up £10,000*
All teams who enter receive a Rolls-Royce Science Team certificate.

The Timeline has detailed competition dates.

Help from the Science Prize team and our supporters is available throughout the competition.

* Or equivalent in Euros

Next : Timeline

Rolls-Royce Science Prize