LEP Impact Evaluation
Impact evaluation is ongoing.
The following have been identified:
- BME, female and students from lower socio economic groups positively engage in engineering activities
- School activities in the project inspire students to consider engineering as a viable career choice
- The progression of activities offered has received support in some school OFSTED reports
- Funding and resources applied in universities have improved the student experience
- School activities need to outline their learning outcomes
- University departments need to adapt their teaching in line with the changing needs of student
- Marketing of courses to students with the aptitude and capacity for engineering higher education needs to reflect the positive changes that are taking place
The next steps are clear. Subject to Government’s Spending Review process there is potential for a national rollout of the LEP integrated with its sister projects in mathematics, physics and chemistry.
The lessons learnt by the LEP pilot to date, if applied to further schools and university departments with appropriate funding, could create a step change in wider STEM participation within 3 years.
