Pembrokeshire-based STEM education charity, the Darwin Centre, has been awarded Educational Charity of the Year 2025/26 at the Prestige Wales Awards.

Year 4 St Florence pupils at Welston Court
Year 4 St Florence pupils at Welston Court. Photo: Darwin Centre (Photo: Darwin Centre)

Founded in 1993 by Professor Tony Campbell and Dr Stephanie Matthews, the Darwin Centre works to inspire and engage young people in science, technology, engineering, and maths through hands-on learning. Their field trips and workshops emphasise outdoor learning, real-world skills, and partnerships with local organisations give pupils the best possible experience.

Marine Biology day with St Teilo's
Marine Biology day with St Teilo's (Photo: Darwin Centre)

This year marks 20 years of collaboration with Dragon LNG, delivering the Dragon Darwin Experience programme. This flagship initiative connects pupils with STEM experts, showcasing potential career pathways available to young people in Pembrokeshire and providing outdoor learning experiences.

Plankton workshop with Stepaside School
Plankton workshop with Stepaside School (Photo: Darwin Centre)

Each academic year, the Darwin Centre’s small team organises and delivers over 175 events, reaching more than 4,500 participants thanks to core funding from Dragon LNG. Beyond school visits, they also run community events during school holidays, workshops for home educating families, and tailored sessions for the scouting association, making science accessible to all young people in the county.

Shark World workshop with Tavernspite students
Shark World workshop with Tavernspite students (Photo: Darwin Centre)

The Prestige Awards judging panel praised the Darwin Centre, stating:

“We were particularly impressed by the team’s dedication to developing pupils’ science skills. Their passion and dedication for their subject is infectious, and their drive to share this with pupils and communities is an attribute to be credited.”

TechTastic coding with Lamphey primary school
TechTastic coding with Lamphey primary school (Photo: Darwin Centre)

Samantha Williams, Manager of the Darwin Centre, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been named Educational Charity of the Year. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in young people across Pembrokeshire. None of this would be possible without our longstanding partnership with Dragon LNG and the many organisations we work alongside to give pupils the best possible experiences. We are proud to make science and nature accessible for all and will continue developing opportunities that connect young people with STEM.”

Ysgol Harri Tudur at Colby Woodland Gardens
Ysgol Harri Tudur at Colby Woodland Gardens (Photo: Darwin Centre)

Bookings are now being taken for the 2025/26 academic year. Schools wishing to book a free field trip or workshop can email [email protected].