Empowering young women - Shaping the Future of STEM

At Ricards Lodge High School, we are a forward-thinking all-girls comprehensive school committed to breaking barriers and addressing the gender inequities that persist in STEM. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with confidence, ambition, and a sense of belonging. 

Inspiring Girls, Shaping the Future of STEM 

Our long-term mission is to create a vibrant local hub for STEM, for both primary and secondary school students, dedicated to empowering girls to explore, innovate, and lead. We want every student to see that their voices are not only valued but essential in shaping the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through hands-on learning and real-world opportunities, we aim to inspire the next generation of female changemakers—ensuring they have the confidence and support to drive meaningful impact in their diverse communities and beyond.

A New Era for STEM Ricards Lodge High School

Thanks to funding from the Department for Education, our school is excited to welcome a brand-new STEM building—designed to inspire and equip the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. However, while the construction has been funded, we now face the crucial challenge of furnishing and equipping the space with the cutting-edge technology and specialist resources needed to bring it to life. With your support, we can transform this building into a truly dynamic learning environment, ensuring our students have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in STEM. Our aim is to inspire the next generation of female leaders to thrive in STEM and drive meaningful change in the world.

More Than a Building—It’s a Commitment to Change

Our new STEM centre will primarily serve A-level students, featuring three specialist science classrooms, a CAD room, an independent study center, and a café. But this space represents so much more than just lessons—it stands as a commitment to empowering our girls to use their voices and drive change in STEM industries. By equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to innovate, we ensure that the products, environments, and technologies shaping our everyday lives are more inclusive, diverse, and designed for everyone.

Help Us Bring This Vision to Life

We need your support to turn our mission into reality. While the Department for Education has funded the construction of our new STEM building, we are seeking external funding to cover the nearly £170,000 shortfall needed for essential resources and equipment. Without this, our classrooms will remain empty rather than becoming dynamic spaces designed to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of STEM leaders. Your support can help us create an environment where girls have the tools, technology, and opportunities to thrive in STEM and shape the future.

Support us today! 

To make a donation as a member of the public: Visit our GoFundMe

To make a donation as a parent/carer: Link to ParentPay coming soon

If you would like more information on how to contribute or offer your support, please contact Miss Lombardelli at stem@ricardslodge.org 

Gender Imbalance in STEM: The Facts

• Women make up 28% of the global STEM workforce (UNESCO, 2020).

• Only 24% of the UK STEM workforce is female (UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, 2020).

• By age 10-11, many girls lose confidence in STEM (STEM Learning, 2018).

• Just 16.5% of engineers in the UK are women (Engineering UK, 2020).

• The gender pay gap in STEM is £4,000 less per year for women (UK Parliament, 2021).

• Only 5% of leadership roles in tech are held by women (McKinsey & Company, 2020).

• Diverse teams in STEM lead to better innovation and problem-solving (Harvard Business Review, 2017).