Festivals of Chemistry

The Salters’ Institute’s Festivals of Chemistry are aimed at 14-16 year olds. Our Festivals encourage learners to ‘Discover Chemistry’, explore the subject and see how it can be a pathway to many careers.

Our Festivals of Chemistry date from the early 1990s. They have a long history of engaging learners with hands-on practical chemistry delivered at universities across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

Festivals of Chemistry 2025

The Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry have introduced a hybrid approach that includes videos, classroom activities and day trips to universities.

Stage 1 – Discover Chemistry Careers

Fifteen videos and classroom activities embedded into short lesson plans which delve into chemistry as a subject, its applications in the real world and the career pathways it offers. Great to use as starters or plenaries which align with Gatsby Benchmark 4. Explore a range of topics including medicine, materials and green chemistry.

Stage 2 – Discovery Days

Discovery Days take place regionally at universities with an inspiring programme including a hands-on practical chemistry experiment within the university laboratory. Also included is science CPD provision for teachers in attendance.

For more information, on the different elements of the programme and further details on the format of the Discovery Days:

Download the School Booklet

3,500

students aged 14-16 year olds have taken part in the Salters’ Festivals of Chemistry since 2021.
90%

of teachers felt that their students had increased confidence in their chemistry practical skills after attending a Discovery Day.

Register your school for Festivals of Chemistry 2025.

Please complete the form below to receive an access code for Stage 1.

Applications to attend the Festivals of Chemistry Discovery Days are now closed.

Thank you to all those who applied for our Discovery Days; we aim to notify all schools about the outcome of their Discovery Day application by the end of February.

In the meantime, you can find learning resources for Stage 1 – Careers in Chemistry on our Festivals of Chemistry website. If you would like to access these resources, then please complete the form below.

Festivals 2025 Registration Form (no Discovery Day option)

Head to the Festivals of Chemistry Website

We launched our new format in 2022 creating a hybrid model for learners, teachers and schools. Check out where you can find the careers lesson plan and other classroom activities!

Click here!

If you have any queries about Festivals of Chemistry, please email [email protected].