Government releases enrichment framework for schools
Eight benchmarks for enrichment to provide a clear, simple structure.
Published: 15 June 2026
The publication today of the Department for Education’s Enrichment Framework brings much needed recognition for learning beyond the classroom and the curriculum. We believe that high-quality physics education should include access to purposeful enrichment opportunities that showcase physics pathways for all young people.
“We welcome these benchmarks which support our belief in purposeful enrichment,” says Clare Harvey, Chief Executive of The Ogden Trust. “We know that enrichment beyond the classroom has a valuable role to play in the delivery of excellent education, particularly for those who are less likely to access these types of activities outside of school.”
“A strategic approach to enrichment will be needed for the benchmarks to be achieved and for the activities to reach those pupils in the areas of most disadvantage. This will not only require an investment of time and resources from schools and teachers, which may prove challenging, but also support from funders, policymakers, delivery partners and the wider sector,” adds Clare.
Physics is a great vehicle for delivering across many of the five benchmarks (civic engagement; arts and culture; nature, outdoor and adventure; life and future skills including STEM, sport and physical activities) – for example, through science ambassador programmes, space camps and visits to science centres. Sustained, meaningful STEM enrichment can help build skills and science capital, complementing formal classroom learning and widening access to opportunities.
In our own recently published evidence review, we looked at 11 common enrichment activities in science against science capital related outcomes. Overall, the evidence suggests that enrichment can build science capital, particularly when provision is sustained, combines multiple approaches, and is embedded within collaborative partnerships between schools and enrichment providers.
The recommendations in our review provide a valuable, evidence-informed head start to school staff who are planning to introduce effective physics enrichment programmes, and make actionable suggestions for funders, policy makers and the wider sector. You can download the report here.
As part of our support for the teaching and learning of physics, we will be curating and facilitating physics enrichment opportunities that are meaningful, sustainable and impactful. Over the next year we will be releasing a teacher toolkit for enrichment that will support teachers and schools to develop and deliver physics enrichment that aligns with these benchmarks.
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