Pupils in disadvantaged areas locked out of STEM A levels due to a lack of trained teachers
The recent Teach First survey, “Missing: The Teachers We Need”, highlights a continuing crisis in STEM education. The shortage is particularly acute in science and computing, where many schools are reliant on non-specialist teachers, and where young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected.
At STEM Learning, we believe that every young person, regardless of background, deserves access to excellent STEM education. The shortage of specialist teachers makes this harder to achieve. But we also know that with the right support, high-quality teaching in science and computing is still possible and can be transformative.
Equipping teachers and keeping them
One part of the solution is clear: we must invest in teachers.
High-quality, subject-specific continuing professional development (CPD) helps build teachers’ confidence, subject knowledge, and classroom impact, especially when they are teaching outside their specialism.
It’s also one of the most effective ways to keep teachers in the profession. Research shows that CPD increases retention, and data from our programmes shows teachers who engage with STEM Learning CPD are 155% more likely to stay in teaching.
Through our delivery of the Department for Education funded Subject Knowledge for Physics Teaching programme and the National Centre for Computing Education, we support thousands of teachers, from non-specialists to experienced educators, to deliver science and computing with confidence.
Disadvantaged pupils disproportionately affected
As the survey outlines, the STEM teacher shortage does not affect all schools equally.
Young people in schools serving disadvantaged communities are far less likely to be taught by subject specialists in science and computing A-levels. The result is a widening attainment gap and fewer opportunities to pursue further study or rewarding careers in STEM. This is a challenge we cannot ignore. STEM skills are critical to the UK’s tech and AI-driven future, and we need to ensure they are accessible to all.
A call to action for businesses
To address this crisis, we must work together. Businesses have a powerful role to play by investing in the teachers who support the most underserved young people. Partnering with STEM Learning, companies are part of the solution to enable high-quality CPD to educators working in areas of greatest need.
By supporting professional development for teachers in schools with high levels of disadvantage, businesses can directly contribute to improving outcomes for thousands of young people - and help ensure a diverse and thriving future STEM workforce.
This report from Teach First makes for sobering reading, but it also strengthens our resolve. Every teacher deserves to feel confident and supported in their subject, and every young person deserves to be taught by someone with the knowledge and passion to bring STEM to life. Through our CPD programmes, and with the support of businesses and partners, we are working to make that vision a reality.
By investing in teachers, especially in science and computing, we can break the cycle of disadvantage, inspire the next generation, and secure the UK’s STEM future.
Find out how you can support teachers in the schools that need it most: stem.org.uk/employers/investing-in-teachers
