Members' Blogs

Weekly news round up: 7/10/26

By Tim Bradbury posted 4 days ago

The Week in Education: What mattered for STEM educators 30 September–7 October 2026 • UK education, STEM-first (but not STEM-only) AI finally gets some useful evidence behind the workload claims, SEND reform moves from national policy towards defining what schools should actually provide, cybersecurity remains a leadership issue, and concerns emerge around work experience, behaviour and the specialist workforce. There is plenty for STEM teams to think about this week. This edition was compiled on the morning of 7 October, so additional stories published later today may not be included. BBC Education could not be reviewed directly because of access restrictions; ...

Ada Lovelace Day: helping girls see that they belong in computing

By Shameel Khan posted 4 days ago

Every Ada Lovelace Day, we celebrate a woman whose ideas were far ahead of her time. Ada Lovelace is often described as the world's first computer programmer, developing an algorithm for Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine and recognising that machines like it could have applications far beyond simply performing calculations. Her story also reminds us of the importance of opportunity, encouragement and a sense of belonging. Ada was encouraged to pursue mathematics from an early age, at a time when women had very limited opportunities to study and work in scientific and mathematical fields. That support helped her develop ...

Focus of the Month: SEND in Mainstream STEM

By Tim Bradbury posted 11 days ago

October is here, which means our Focus of the Month turns once again to SEND in mainstream education . We explored this topic across the STEM Community last year and it generated some brilliant conversations, ideas and examples from members. So this October, we want to build on that rather than simply start again. Over the next few weeks, we'll be looking at what inclusive STEM education really means in practice. How do we make sure pupils with SEND can participate fully in science practicals? How do we adapt without lowering expectations? What barriers might exist in our classrooms, labs and workshops that we have simply become used to? And, importantly, ...

Weekly news round up: 29/9/26

By Tim Bradbury posted 12 days ago

The Week in Education: What mattered for STEM teachers 23–29 September 2026 • UK education, STEM-first (but not STEM-only) An edicator-facing catch-up on the education stories worth knowing this week. Technical education takes centre stage, alongside SEND funding, Ofsted, apprenticeships, disadvantage, evidence-informed implementation and an outstanding week for Team UK at WorldSkills. This edition was compiled on the morning of 29 September, so additional stories published later today may not be included. Coverage from the main education outlets has been reviewed and overlapping stories consolidated. Quick map (if you only have two minutes) ...

Students invited to imagine Tomorrow’s World for National Innovation Challenge 2027

By Tim Bradbury posted 13 days ago

Students from across the UK are invited to come up with bold innovations for the future as a national competition returns for its third year. Led by HRUC (Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Industrial Liaison Program, the National Innovation Challenge (NIC) aims to empower young people to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues. The winning teams will embark on a life-changing trip to MIT in the United States in autumn 2027, where they will have the chance to collaborate with world-leading researchers, gain new technical skills, and build international ...

Congratulations to our summer photo competition winners!

By Tim Bradbury posted 16 days ago

Thank you to everyone who took part in our What makes you wonder? summer STEM photography competition. We loved seeing the range of entries and the brilliant STEM questions they sparked, from flowers and dust to eclipses and the science of light. Explore the full competition thread Review all of the entries, see the winning photographs and read the STEM questions shared by the Community. View the competition thread A huge congratulations to our winners: Winner: @Shelley Ramsey Second place: @Sheridan Williams Joint third place: @Steven Goodwin @Chris Rolland Thank you again to everyone who entered, voted or joined ...

Biology needs investment too! Join us for the National Biology Conference

By Tim Bradbury posted 16 days ago

Biology can sometimes find itself in an unusual position within school science. Strong specialist teaching and good outcomes are rightly something to celebrate, but they can also mean biology is not always the first priority when schools are deciding where to focus limited CPD time and funding. This November, we are giving biology the spotlight it deserves. The National Biology Conference will bring together biology teachers, technicians and subject leaders for a day of professional learning, practical ideas and discussion about the future of biology education. Delivered by STEM Learning in partnership with the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and Kew ...

Weekly news round up: 22/9/26

By Tim Bradbury posted 19 days ago

The Week in Education: What mattered for STEM educators 16–22 September 2026 • UK education, STEM-first (but not STEM-only) An educator-facing catch-up on the education stories worth knowing this week. Mathematical reasoning, AI readiness, vocational education, teacher pay, SEND inclusion, behaviour and the next stage of qualification reform all feature. This edition was compiled on the morning of 22 September, so additional stories published later today may not be included. Coverage from the main education outlets has been reviewed and overlapping stories consolidated. Quick map (if you only have two minutes) Mathematical reasoning works: a ...

Space Futures 6/10/2026: showing students where STEM could take them

By Tim Bradbury posted 20 days ago

Space has always had the power to capture imaginations. But for young people looking ahead to their future, the space sector is also a growing and varied world of careers, skills and opportunities that reaches far beyond becoming an astronaut. This World Space Week, Space Futures: Skills for Tomorrow is giving schools the opportunity to bring that world directly into the classroom. Taking place online on Tuesday 6 October 2026 , the new event from ESERO-UK will connect students with people working across the space sector and explore the science, technology, engineering and mathematics that make modern space missions possible. Space careers are broader ...

National Coding Week 2026: why coding still matters in an age of AI

By Tim Bradbury posted 24 days ago

AI can now generate code in seconds. So, do young people still need to learn how to code? The answer is very much yes. National Coding Week, running from 14–20 September, is a great opportunity to explore not only how we teach programming, but why understanding code continues to matter. Learning to code is about much more than remembering the syntax of a particular programming language. It helps young people develop computational thinking: breaking problems down, spotting patterns, creating sequences, making decisions and testing whether their ideas actually work. And arguably, those skills become even more important as AI becomes increasingly capable ...

Weekly news round up: 15/9/26

By Tim Bradbury posted 25 days ago

The Week in Education: What mattered for STEM teachers 9–15 September 2026 • UK education, STEM-first (but not STEM-only) Welcome to this week's education catch-up. AI guidance, the shortage of physics specialists, SEND reform, digital assessment, disadvantage and even robots tackling school avoidance all feature in a particularly busy start-of-term week. Coverage from the main education outlets has been reviewed and overlapping stories consolidated. This edition was compiled on 15 September, so stories published later today may not be included. Quick map (if you only have two minutes) Schools want clearer rules around AI , with MPs hearing concerns ...

AI Sprints Season 3: Reliable Voices, Real Classrooms, Better Conversations

By Tim Bradbury posted 27 days ago

AI Sprints by design are fast -paced conversations about topics and issues that matter in education. Since the beginning, we have always tried to find the most reliable voices who can talk to the issues teachers face in the classroom. What makes the sprints unique is our audience – you, and we are grateful that you trust us with your time. AI Sprints are live events , so sit between the spaces that webinar s and podcast typically occupy . Being live allows for audience interaction in real time, but the playback option has a popular addition to the experience . People can access past episodes and use the ...

Young People Across the UK and Ireland to Gain Greater Access to Innovation and Employer Experiences

By Tim Bradbury posted 08-09-2026

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, a free national tech-for-good competition, returns for a seventh year with expanded regional workshops, giving more 11-to-18-year-olds across the UK and Ireland the chance to bring their tech ideas to life LONDON - Sept. 8, 2026 - As schools across the UK place growing emphasis on creativity, careers education and real-world employer experiences, Samsung UK has expanded its Solve for Tomorrow programme to give more young people the tools and opportunities they need to turn their ideas into real-world impact. Heading into its seventh year, applications for Samsung Solve for Tomorrow are now open for every ...

Weekly new round up: 8/9/26

By Tim Bradbury posted 08-09-2026

The Week in Education: What mattered for STEM teachers 2–8 September 2026 • UK education, STEM-first (but not STEM-only) An educator-facing long-read pulling together key stories from Tes, Schools Week, FE Week and the EEF. Duplicate coverage has been consolidated, with links to the original stories. Quick map (if you only have two minutes) Technical education moved further down the age range , with ministers considering new or reformed GCSE-level qualifications alongside planned technical pathways from age 14. SEND reform hit another implementation warning , with councils highlighting shortages of specialist staff, teacher burnout and the risk ...

Celebrating the technician that make practical work possible

By Sarah Atkinson posted 05-08-2026

Every day, science technicians across the UK quietly make the extraordinary happen. Before students arrive, benches are set up, equipment is checked, experiments are prepared and risks are assessed. Technicians help make engaging purposeful practical work possible in the classroom. Yet too often, these contributions go unseen. The Salters’ Institute Technician Awards recognise the vital role science technicians play in supporting the teaching and learning of science and celebrate those who go the extra mile for their students, departments and wider school communities. Why not you? I was honoured to receive the Salters award in 2010, ...

Preparing for your first year as a secondary computing teacher

By Tim Bradbury posted 28-07-2026

Congratulations! After months of training, lesson planning, observations, assignments, and placements, you've reached a significant milestone: you're about to begin your first teaching role as a secondary computing teacher. It's completely normal to feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Every Early Career Teacher starts their first term with questions. “Will I be prepared enough?” “How do I establish routines?” “What if students ask questions I can't answer?” The good news is that no one expects you to know everything on day one. Teaching is a profession built on continuous learning, reflection, and improvement. As you look ahead ...

Weekly news round up: 15/7/26

By Tim Bradbury posted 15-07-2026

The Week in Education: What mattered for STEM te 8–15 July 2026 • UK education, STEM-first (but not STEM-only) An educator-facing long-read pulling together key stories from Tes, Schools Week, FE Week and the EEF. Duplicate coverage has been consolidated, with links to the original stories. Quick map (if you only have two minutes) AI safeguarding moved firmly into the spotlight , with teachers reporting pupils using AI to create sexual images of classmates and, in some cases, staff. Ofsted is testing AI to help analyse parent and pupil survey responses, raising familiar questions about human oversight and context. Digital assessment ...

What makes you wonder? Enter our summer STEM photography competition

By Tim Bradbury posted 10-07-2026

Summer is full of moments that make us stop, look again and ask questions. Why do bubbles form that shape? What creates the colours in a sunset? How does a spider web stay so strong? Why does sand feel cooler beneath the surface? This summer, we are inviting STEM Community members to capture one of those moments and turn it into a question. How to enter Take a photograph of something that sparks your STEM curiosity and share it with the Community alongside one question inspired by what you have seen. Your photograph could feature: an interesting pattern in nature movement, forces or changing materials a surprising structure or ...

Weekly news round up: 7/7/26

By Tim Bradbury posted 07-07-2026

The Week in Education: What mattered for STEM teachers 1–7 July 2026 • UK education, STEM-first (but not STEM-only) An educator-facing long-read pulling together key stories from Tes, Schools Week, FE Week and the EEF. Duplicate coverage has been consolidated, with links to the original stories. Quick map (if you only have two minutes) Teacher pay dominated the week , with a 3.5% rise for 2026–27, a further 3% from September 2027, and schools expected to find the first 1% each year. Heatwave disruption stayed live , with DfE messaging to schools criticised after closures and early finishes during extreme heat. Assessment systems remained ...

What can oracy and AI do for education? Part 3

By Tim Bradbury posted 06-07-2026

Download booklet 3: What is the impact of AI on the planet ? Download now This booklet focuses on one essential question in AI literacy: What is the impact of AI on the planet? This is a contentious topic, and one surrounded by misinformation. The 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) emphasises the importance of climate education and sustainability across multiple subjects, recommending explicit integration into the geography purpose of study, updated climate science content in science, sustainability principles in design & technology, and age-appropriate climate justice in citizenship, recognising it as both a civic imperative and an economic ...