Empiribox aims to provide Primary Schools with a means to teach science effectively, which is a statutory obligation under the National Curriculum.
This means not just scientific facts, but more importantly, equipping 7-11 year olds, particularly girls, with an understanding of the scientific method, coupled with excitement about science and enthusiasm to continue studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects throughout their academic career.
Not only do the children themselves deserve a proper science education, but the economy is dependent on significantly increasing the number of STEM graduates each year (“The State of Engineering” Report 2015 by Engineering UK), and many studies considering this problem recognise this can best be achieved by enthusing and enthralling children at an early age.
Empiribox is now in its second year of trading and to date has achieved the following:
Our Vision:
Every primary school child in the country deserves fantastic, exciting, practical science lessons every week of their academic year. Our vision is to facilitate this, thereby significantly increasing the number of students inspired to choose to study science at A Level and beyond.
The Issues:
The Implications:
Our research suggests that UK economic performance will suffer if we continue with the current level and nature of science and STEM education, with a massive loss of potential science knowledge and future innovation that the country so desperately needs.
The Solution:
Empiribox is designed to be a complete solution that directly addresses the key needs of generalist teachers at primary schools (who are required to teach up to 10 subjects every week) with a limited science background. We seek to equip them to become far more confident teaching investigative science = highly engaged pupils who love their science lessons and who all continually improve their science, maths and literacy skills sets and knowledge over the course of each academic year.
Empiribox is designed to offer extraordinary value for money, currently under £50 per pupil per year.
Our objectives are to:
View an introduction to Empiribox and see teachers’ comments on www.empiribox.org
“I was observed in a science lesson when OFSTED came in, and they were really excited about it – they hadn’t seen a primary lesson before where the kids had so much science knowledge. Not only was it clear that they had knowledge, but they were also able to explain what they were doing to the OFSTED inspectors, who were amazed by the experimental and investigative skills that the children had.” Jennifer Iwantschak, Science Lead, ARK Globe Primary, London
Social Impact:
Since its launch in April 2014, participating schools have reported an extraordinary level of impact in their classrooms. Teachers regularly enthuse about our training sessions, and in particular, girls are being enthralled by science, which is vitally important.
“We used all kinds of equipment I’d never seen before and did lots of different stuff with it. I had such a good time. This is what I want to do when I grow up. Girls can be scientists too, I didn’t know that before!” Lucy (aged 9)
Proven Efficacy:
14 months after launch in April 2014, approaching 70 schools have subscribed to our system, and most of those that have been teaching the system for more than a term have reported significant impact on their science lessons. One school, Freethorpe Primary in Norfolk, that has been using the system since launch in April 14, generated a 35% improvement in science knowledge and skills, starting from a base where they had already had significant impact from teaching our system over the previous two terms. This is indicative of the level of impact that can be achieved in a relatively short time, and validates the social impact that can be achieved through using Empiribox.
The most important validation of the system has come from the ARK Academy group of schools, who chose to subscribe to Empiribox only 6 weeks after launch, after assessing alternative science provision provided by companies including Pearson, Collins and Longman. Their decision was based on the fact we we were the only company they found that supplied comprehensive teacher training, together with all the equipment needed to deliver practical lessons.
One year later, their schools have just renewed their subscriptions, and 8 of them have chosen to commit to a 3 year renewal, so confident are they that Empiribox is helping them achieve their objectives for progression in science, maths and literacy skills and knowledge.
The company raised £371,000 of early stage capital (under SEIS and EIS tax relief regulations), in the period to January 2015, which was used for the initial investments in marketing collateral and funding the assets required for the initial sales.
Next Steps – Securing Growth:
During the period from launch to end May 2015, the company has invested time and resources to demonstrate that its business model works effectively. In particular, the early stage period has proven that
The company is now seeking a further £600,000 of investment capital in order to build on our successes to date and accelerate growth. By providing what we believe is a unique solution to an established problem, we expect to achieve a 15% market penetration within 5 years, generating forecast profits of £5 million p.a.
Based on the company’s successes to date, its future prospects and the last angel investment valuation in December 2014, the Board has valued the company for the purposes of this Growth round at £3 million pre-new money, with a forecast ROI of 11x after 5 years (based on 8x FY2020 EBITDA, excluding dividends and EIS tax relief).