Science Education Policy Alliance

About SEPA

SEPA brings together the Association for Science Education, Institute of Physics, Royal Society, Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry. Our Chair is Professor Dame Athene Donald DBE FRS.

SEPA’s mission is to bring about systemic improvement, by influencing policy and therefore funding and practice so that all students experience a high-quality, inclusive, accessible and contemporary 5–19 education in the sciences that unlocks individual opportunity, supports economic growth and benefits our society.

We influence policy through advocating for a compelling, evidence-informed vision for the future of science education. We engage with civil servants and policy makers in an expert capacity, respond to consultations and calls for evidence, make recommendations and promote a vision for the future of science education. To inform these discussions, we represent the interests of our communities by drawing on research and the expertise of our membership.

Along with other organisations, we previously worked together as SCORE – Science Community Representing Education.

SEPA publications and events

SEPA has a longstanding commitment to evidence-based policymaking, commissioning research to address key issues in science education. Over the years, SEPA has supported projects that shed light on crucial topics, including the impact of GCSE science timetabling, entry requirements for post-16 science and non-science qualifications, and international comparisons of teacher training and specialism.

Highlights of SEPA’s commissioned work include the 2018–19 timetabling research by Shift Learning, which informed discussions at the 2019 ASE conference, and the 2022 study on post-16 entry requirements, which remains a valuable resource. SEPA has also explored teacher education globally through a collaboration with RAND in 2017–18 and maintained a close dialogue with Ofqual on intersubject comparability from 2016–19. These projects demonstrate our dedication to shaping science education policy through robust research and strategic insights. SEPA welcomes the opportunity to share and discuss insights, please get in touch via sepa@rsb.org.uk

SEPA events

SEPA hosts engaging events designed to foster dialogue and inspire action on key issues in science education.

Annual ASE Talking Science Debate

Each year at the annual ASE conference, SEPA brings together leading experts to tackle some of the most pressing questions in science education.

Previous themes have included:

• A curriculum framework for primary science.
• The priorities for education in the lead up to a general election.
• Science education reform, featuring Professor Dame Athene Donald, Professor Michael Reiss and Professor Jonathan Osborne.

2026 debate: Tackling the stubborn challenges of the disadvantage gap

Exploring the deep-seated roots of disadvantage, its impact on young people’s educational opportunities, and highlighting successful and less successful interventions in narrowing the gap in the UK and beyond.

Speakers include Professor Louise Archer and Professor Lee Elliot Major and chaired by Professor Dame Athene Donald.

Join us at the ASE Annual Conference to be part of this important and thought-provoking discussions. Tickets are available through ASE conference registration.

Hosting Evening Reception at the ASE annual conference

In 2025, SEPA proudly hosted the Evening Reception at the ASE Annual Conference, offering an exclusive opportunity for educators, policymakers, and researchers to connect and share ideas in an informal setting. Building on this success, SEPA will once again host this special Evening Reception at the ASE Annual Conference in 2026. These gatherings reflect SEPA’s ongoing commitment to bringing diverse voices together and driving meaningful change in science education policy.

If you’d like to be part of this invite-only event in the future, keep an eye out for invitations or contact us to express your interest.