Science: Teachers
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of cuts to the continuing professional development budget for science teachers on teacher retention rates.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell
This government is focused on fixing our economy after inheriting a £22 billion black hole in our public finances. That means we must take difficult decisions across our public services.
All children should have high quality science teaching, which is why at the Autumn Budget education was prioritised with a £2.3 billion increase to core school budgets for the 2025/26 financial year. Schools can use this funding for continued professional development, which evidence suggests can support teacher retention.
In addition, the department will continue to fully fund the Subject Knowledge for Physics Teachers programme to support the uptake and teaching of physics in the 2025/26 financial year.
However, along with other tough decisions to support cross-government efforts to rebuild economic stability, the department has taken the difficult decision to cease funding the Stimulating Physics Network beyond the end of its current contract in March 2025.
There is a range of other support for science education in schools, including free, optional materials from Oak National Academy in all three sciences.
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