An independent evaluation report, commissioned by the Nuffield Foundation and undertaken by Frontier Economics, reveals how immersive STEM research placements can open powerful academic and career pathways, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The Nuffield Research Placements (NRP) programme has given over 20,000 post-16 students across the UK the opportunity to work on real-world science and data projects under the guidance of professional researchers. While earlier findings showed increased STEM uptake among participants, this final impact report goes further, demonstrating how placements boost A-level performance, influence higher education choices, and have the potential to improve employment outcomes. 

Key findings from the evaluation report include: 

• Higher achievement in STEM A Levels: Placement students completed more STEM subjects and scored higher on average than similar peers. 

• Greater access to top-tier STEM universities: Participation was linked to a 14 percentage point increase in enrolment on STEM courses at Russell Group or other high-ranking institutions. 

• Stronger benefits for disadvantaged students: Impacts were even more pronounced among students eligible for free school meals. 

• Potential earnings uplift: Based on links between education and labour market outcomes, placements could lead to a 3.3% increase in average earnings by age 30. 

While the evaluation focused on in-person placements delivered before 2020, the results offer vital insights for today’s hybrid models, such as the version now delivered by STEM Learning. The evidence highlights the importance of immersive, high-quality work experience particularly for young people facing barriers to higher education and skilled employment. 

The report adds to the evidence base on how targeted interventions can reduce inequalities and equip young people with the skills to thrive in a fast-changing economy. 

Click here to read the full report. 

For further information please contact media@frontier-economics.com or call +44 (0) 20 7031 7000.