We are delighted to have won the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools “Excellence in STEM” Award 2024, in recognition of our outstanding STEM programme at Francis Holland, Regent’s Park which looks to prepare our students for a world increasingly shaped by advances in tech and AI, as well as igniting a passion for STEM and lifelong love of learning in every student.
Jason Bossé, Director of Careers and Head of Science, said: “We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the Excellence in STEM award from Muddy Stilettos’ Best Schools Awards. This prestigious accolade is a testament to the outstanding quality of our STEM programme and our relentless commitment to fostering curiosity, innovation, and a love for science in our students. It is especially gratifying to be recognised for our efforts to ignite a passion for STEM in young minds, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Muddy Stilettos for this incredible honour and to our supportive community for their unwavering encouragement. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and make a lasting impact on the future. Thank you.”
Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, hands-on experiments, and interactive activities, students cultivate their curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in today’s digital age. By participating in a range of clubs, trips and competitions, students are given a platform for recognition and achievement, enabling them to showcase their talents, earn accolades, and build a competitive portfolio that stands out when applying for universities and internships.
We have seen a multitude of STEM successes over the past few years, including Year 8 students winning the Innovation Award in the PA Raspberry Pi Competition 2023, Lower Sixth students winning the Industrial Cadet Gold Award 2023 and Year 10 students achieving excellent success in CanSat 2024.
Congratulations to all the students involved, and thank you to our wonderful STEM Department for their inspirational and dynamic teaching. A former student who went on to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge has described this below:
“Thanks to FHS, I developed a love of science. They really broke the mould of what I had assumed a ‘sciencey-type’ of person was, discovering that I loved being able to understand principles and apply them.”
Indeed, the number of our students choosing to study STEM subjects at degree level has risen on a dramatic upward trajectory over the last decade. 21 students applied to study STEM subjects or medicine at degree level in 2023 – almost 1/3 of the year group. We’re predicting an even higher percentage in 2024 and look forward to seeing the popularity of STEM at Francis Holland continue to blossom.
Thank you so much to Muddy Stilettos and congratulations to all the other finalists and winners!
