Gold Awards are longer projects that immerse students in real research. At this level, we recommend students work with a mentor from their chosen STEM field of study.
Typical age
16+
Time to complete
70+ hours
Entry fee per student: Free Wales / £20 rest of UK / £40 international
Please note: UK fees will increase to £30 from January 2025.
Students must complete a project that makes an original contribution to a STEM field of study and submit their findings via the online platform.
No two CREST projects are the same! Students can do different types of projects on any STEM subject.
Download inspirational project ideas from the resource library. The secondary getting started and Gold student guides are full of useful hints and tips to help you run CREST with your students.
Students will hone their investigative skills and employ the scientific method to conduct their own piece of research. CREST Gold can be used by students to enhance their UCAS personal statements. The award is recognised and respected by universities and employers.
Students who gain a Gold Award receive a personalised certificate.
Upload students’ project work and key information via the online platform.
The students or teacher submit the project, as well as each team member’s required profile form, to the online platform. Gold Awards are externally assessed online by a trained CREST assessor. They are all experts from industry, academia or the education sector.
Projects are assessed against the CREST assessment criteria. View our guidance of what’s expected at Gold level, with examples.
We encourage students to access support from a mentor who works in a STEM field related to the project’s topic. Mentors can play an important role in CREST projects by offering their experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to help inspire students.
CREST entry fees are government subsidised in the UK and start at £1 per student. Where cost is a barrier to entry, funding may be available.
To see if you are eligible for funding or a grant, view the opportunities available.
The CREST Awards Help Centre has detailed information on every aspect of creating and managing CREST Awards.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
