A pilot study, funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, supported 10 secondary schools across England to plan and deliver open-ended investigative practical work within science curriculum time. This enabled all students to experience the benefits of investigative work, rather than just those attending extracurricular STEM enrichment activities. Most pilot schools adapted or extended an existing practical activity to claim a CREST Award. The findings informed a guidance pack that explains how to embed investigative work into the curriculum, using the experience from these pilot schools.