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 have also recently submitted a joint letter to the Curriculum and Assessment Review panel 

SEPA hosts engaging events designed to foster dialogue and inspire action on key issues in science education. At the annual ASE Talking Science Debate, we bring together leading experts to tackle pressing questions. This year’s debate promises to continue the tradition of thought-provoking discussions: Time for a change? Science education reform, with inputs from our speakers, Professor Dame Athene Donald, Professor Michael Reiss and Professor Jonathan Osborne. 

Previous themes of Talking Science debates have been “A curriculum framework for Primary science” and “The priorities for education in the lead up to a general election”, with speakers including Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Professor Jane Turner, Professor Lynne Bianchi,  Ali Eley and Alex Sinclair.

In 2025 SEPA is also proudly hosting Evening Reception at ASE, offering a unique opportunity for educators, policymakers, and researchers to network and exchange ideas in an informal setting. These events reflect SEPA’s commitment to connecting diverse voices and driving meaningful change in science education policy.