Increasing provision of physics education and training

If physics is to fulfil its true potential, physics teaching must become an urgent priority. As things stand, a critical skills deficit exists. There is a serious shortage both of teachers with a science background at primary schools and of specialist physics teachers in secondary and further education. Every year, too few physics teachers start in the profession and too many leave it. Ongoing professional development for teachers is inconsistent and inadequate. As a result, there are major regional disparities in the quality of physics teaching.

The physics and engineering skills required now and in the future mean that there are opportunities available for young people from all backgrounds to work in a diverse range of organisations across the UK and Ireland. The skills and experience of technicians make a significant contribution to physics, and increasingly apprenticeships provide a pathway to fulfilling roles in a broad range of relevant science and engineering sectors.

At the IOP, we are determined to make sure that high-quality physics teaching and training is available everywhere and for everyone. Until that happens, the physics community will never be fully representative of wider society. Not only that, but we will keep limiting the ability of physics-based businesses to boost our economies and solve society’s greatest challenges.