In summer 2025, teachers from 122 schools connected their students with 351 active scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

Here’s a look at activity across the whole I’m a… Programme from May to July 2025, plus an overall summary for the full 2024/25 academic year.

During the summer term, the sites saw:

• 65,777 lines of Chat, across 228 Chats
• An estimated 4,876 active students
• 122 different schools
• 82% of students from priority schools
• 351 active scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and engineers

Across the 2024/25 year, the sites saw:

• 313,875 lines of Chat, across 1,018 Chats
• An estimated 22,819 active students
• 418 different schools
• 68% of students from priority schools
• 623 active scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, and engineers

Dive into the full details in the latest summary report ❯

Special mentions

STEM professionals volunteered an estimated 2,824 hours over the year (999 of which were during the summer term), interacting with students.

• Henry Duke was the most active in Chats, attending an impressive 40 between May and July
• Aurelia Brzezowska was the most active on the Ask page, answering and commenting on 85 follow-up questions from students

How teachers used the I’m a… Programme:

• Students from Toot Hill School took part in I’m a Scientist, I’m an Engineer, I’m a Mathematician, and I’m a Computer Scientist Chats as virtual work experience.
• Deer Park School got whole year groups involved, with General Engineering Chats for years 7 and 10.
• Harris Academy Rainham were the most active school in the summer term, with 307 students actively engaging across 18 Chats.

Feedback

“I didn’t realise how effective the text-based chat would be in engaging students and giving them control over exactly what they want to ask.” – Lokesh Jain, Scientist

“The children were very engaged and thrilled when their questions were answered.” – Teacher

“The questions that the pupils pose force me to think differently about my research and to respond quickly – the Chats certainly keep you on your toes!” – Katy, Scientist

“The openness and help from the scientists was amazing, the students were really engaged in the activity, and everyone was so polite.” – Tasha Bell, Teacher

Priority schools

The majority of participating students in the summer term and across the whole academic year were at priority schools.

• During the summer term: 68% of participating schools, 82% of active students
• Throughout the academic year: 69% of participating schools, 67% of active students

View the full report here ❯