Secondary teachers and technicians in the UK and Ireland share valuable information about the profession

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The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) published the 2024 Science Teaching Survey’s findings this week after surveying 1846 science teachers and technicians in April 2024. In its third year, the survey builds on the previous two years’ data and provides valuable information about the trends and challenges in the profession.

Discover what survey respondents said

Read about the insights and challenges of secondary teachers and technicians in the UK and Ireland on the 2024 Science Teaching Survey webpage.

With support from the Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Biology, the RSC surveyed classroom teachers, heads of department, science technicians, FE lecturers and other staff members, such as those in senior leadership teams with science teaching responsibilities. Nearly 2000 teachers and technicians across the UK and Ireland completed the survey, helping us understand the similarities and differences between the nations’ staffing, professional development offerings and other key areas so we can best support them.

The headline findings

  • The top issues impacting student learning outcomes include not enough non-contact time, an overloaded curriculum and insufficient school funding.
  • Concerning downward trends in working conditions and staffing levels compared the 2023 survey.
  • 44% of teachers have used artificial intelligence and can see where it could help lighten their workload, but need time to explore its potential.
  • 1 in 5 teachers lack awareness of essential skills for chemical science careers.

Del McCallum and Eliza Blair who work in the RSC Education research and evidence team and oversee the survey said, ‘Thank you to all the science teachers and technicians who took part in the 2024 Science Teaching Survey. Because of your time and effort, we have developed a clearer picture of the science teaching landscape and have used your insights to tailor our offerings and influence policy.’

Explore the resources available from the RSC Education team throughout the findings or contact your local education coordinator for regional support.