Bridging the STEM Gap: Sage Uses Rugby to Tackle Science, Technology, Engineering, & Maths Education Inequality

Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses, is taking action to bridge the educational gap in Sunderland and South Tyneside with an interactive school sports and technology programme.

It comes at a crucial time for the region, where educational inequalities are holding back the next generation. Currently, only 47% of disadvantaged pupils in Sunderland and 52% in South Tyneside reach expected Key Stage 2 standards in STEM subjects*, compared to over 70% in less deprived areas.

“Tackling Insights”, a programme co-designed by Sage Foundation – Sage’s social impact arm – leading sports technology company Sportable, and Newcastle Rugby Foundation, combines Science Technology Engineering Maths (STEM) education with rugby, to inspire disadvantaged pupils and equip them with the skills and confidence to thrive in education and beyond.

 Rugby meets real-world technology
As the Official Insights Partner of the Men’s and Women’s Guinness Six Nations, Sage is using real match data to bring STEM to life for pupils, helping them build confidence and explore future careers in tech and sports.

The “Tackling Insights” programme uses rugby as a springboard to engage young learners in STEM subjects. Key features of the programme include:

• Smart Ball Technology: Students use Sportable’s AI-powered Smart Ball to explore data collection and analysis, measuring pass speeds, distances, and other metrics through interactive games.
• Hands-On STEM Activities: Over eight weeks, pupils tackle rugby-based challenges involving coding, data analysis, and teamwork, making STEM engaging through practical lessons.
• Supporting Disadvantaged Areas: The programme targets schools in deprived communities of South Tyneside and Sunderland, bridging the STEM education gap and opening new career opportunities.

Expanding Reach to the South of Tyne
In its third year, “Tackling Insights” has expanded into South Tyneside and Sunderland for the first time, working with 30 schools and engaging around 900 pupils. This brings the total number of participants to 2,500 since the programme’s launch.

To date, the schools that have taken part in previous years say the initiative has sparked a 15 per cent rise in students reporting greater enjoyment of maths and science, while +14 percent have gained confidence in using maths and numbers. What’s more, +11 percent of participants said they felt more assured working as part of a team.

“Sage is committed to making a difference where it matters most,” said Helen Devanny, VP Sage Foundation (pictured right). “‘Tackling Insights’ helps young people in Sunderland and South Tyneside see how STEM skills can shape their future, breaking down barriers to education and opportunity while inspiring them to aim beyond where they believe they can.”

Melanie McGee Head of Newcastle Rugby Foundation: “Our mission at Newcastle Rugby Foundation is to change lives for good across the North East, and our partnership with Sage helps us expand our impact. This initiative gives children in deprived areas a unique opportunity to explore STEM through Sportable’s technology and understand the role of data in professional rugby.”

“We can’t wait to get going with the programme. Hearing about the impact that it has already had for other schools, makes us excited for the opportunities it can bring, to change mindset around careers associated with STEM subjects and ignite enjoyment of lessons that may be perceived be front of mind for these kids. We’re so thankful to Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Sage for this chance,” Poppy Corr, teacher at Stanhope Primary.

Tackling Insights culminates in a tag rugby festival at Kingston Park Stadium on 21^st May, where participating schools celebrate their achievements. With the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicking off in Sunderland in Summer 2025, Sage hopes to capture the excitement of the build-up and ignite the interest of the region far beyond the tournament.