This Week in Education: STEM, Strategy, and the Shifting Landscape
1–8 July 2025
Welcome to this week’s education round-up, designed especially for STEM teachers in UK schools and colleges. With the summer term winding down, this edition offers a deep dive into the latest stories affecting science, technology, engineering, and maths education — as well as the broader context in which we teach.
From AI regulation in assessments to green skills funding and inclusive literacy projects, the past seven days have been rich in both policy updates and classroom-relevant developments.
Let’s explore what you need to know.
Exams, AI, and the Assessment Shift
Edexcel A-level Maths Paper Draws Scrutiny
Pupils and teachers have raised concerns over a replacement A-level maths paper issued by Edexcel that failed to cover key parts of the syllabus. Ofqual has confirmed it's investigating whether this paper disadvantaged students during the most recent exam series.
AI Coursework Concerns Trigger Regulatory Action
In response to the growing use of generative AI in student coursework, Ofqual is weighing up its next steps. A new specialist taskforce is looking into the potential risks and benefits of AI tools in assessment, especially where authenticity is at stake.
Also featured in FE Week.
Infrastructure, Policy, and Strategic Planning
Grenfell Safety Rules Could Disrupt School Building Projects
New safety protocols introduced in the wake of the Grenfell disaster could delay many upcoming school building initiatives. Internal DfE emails reveal concerns that every single school construction project could be affected.
New Early Years Strategy: 'Best Start in Life' Launched
The government has launched a new initiative to improve early years provision, with increased support for reception teachers, leadership training, and a renewed focus on parental reading. Reception classes will see more intensive interventions via the RISE model.
Disciplinary Literacy and STEM Communication
Disciplinary Literacy Initiative in South London
A new project by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is helping students in South London secondary schools to read, write, and think like scientists. The aim is to embed subject-specific literacy strategies across the curriculum to boost comprehension and outcomes.
Improving Writing in Science: Gloucestershire Pilot
Another regional partnership, this time in Gloucestershire, is trialling strategies to improve writing outcomes in science, particularly in KS2 and KS3. This includes scaffolding extended answers and embedding technical vocabulary more effectively.
Skills, Sustainability and STEM Careers
Electrical Skills Shortage Threatens Infrastructure Projects
As the UK gears up for a green infrastructure push, a severe shortage of skilled electricians could bring projects to a halt. A recent report warns that without a rapid increase in training and recruitment, targets for housing, energy, and transport are at risk.
Funding Boost for Green Construction Skills
A government-funded drive will support colleges and training providers in developing courses aligned to green construction. This includes digital tech for low-carbon buildings and sustainable design practices.
Inclusion, SEND, and School Leadership
SEND Support Will Remain a Legal Right, Says Secretary of State
In a week of mounting scrutiny over funding and legal protections for students with SEND, the Education Secretary confirmed that children will retain a legal right to appropriate support, regardless of wider reforms.
Government SEND Inclusion Panel Extended
The Department for Education has extended its expert SEND inclusion panel until April 2026, ensuring that stakeholder input on mainstreaming support continues into the next phase of reform.
Concerns Over Possible Cuts to EHCPs
Despite reassurances, ministers have refused to rule out future reductions in the number or scope of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), prompting concern from educators and parents.
Recruitment, CPD, and Behaviour Strategy
The '6,500 Teachers' Promise Under Scrutiny
The government’s pledge to recruit 6,500 teachers has drawn criticism for including reallocated and internal role changes, rather than entirely new hires. Shortages in core subjects like maths and physics remain unaddressed.
Also discussed in FE Week.
Is Trauma-Informed Practice Being Oversold?
An opinion piece in FE Week questions whether the education sector’s embrace of trauma-informed approaches is based more on trend than solid evidence. It challenges leaders to scrutinise whether interventions are backed by outcomes.
Reflections and Thinking Prompts for STEM Teachers
As you prepare for the final weeks of the term or begin planning for next year, here are a few questions to consider based on this week’s developments:
1. How can we make literacy in science more explicit?
Are your students equipped to interpret data, explain processes, and construct reasoned scientific arguments? Consider how disciplinary literacy strategies could enhance their written and oral skills.
2. What are your department’s boundaries and best practices for AI use?
With Ofqual watching AI closely, how are you managing student use of AI tools in coursework, homework, or revision? What guidelines do you have in place?
3. Are we preparing students for a green and digital future?
Given the emphasis on sustainability and skills shortages, how might your teaching connect better with emerging job markets in green technology and engineering?
4. How inclusive is your curriculum for students with SEND?
Are your classroom strategies adaptable for neurodiverse learners or students with EHCPs? How can you plan more proactively in light of uncertain policy direction?
5. What does authentic teacher recruitment look like?
Given concerns over inflated recruitment statistics, how might your school better support early career STEM teachers — particularly in terms of retention and subject-specific support?
Note: This blog post is an AI curated summary of news articles from various sources. The aim is to provide educators with a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the education sector. All hyperlinks direct readers to the original news articles for further reading.