🌟 Weekly Round-Up: UK Education & STEM News for Teachers
Published: 24 June 2025
Hello, STEM educators! Welcome to your weekly digest of the most significant education news from across the UK. This week’s update highlights funding movements, new research, and insights with direct relevance to your classrooms. Whether you're planning lessons, developing curriculum, or reflecting on practice, there's plenty here to inform and inspire.
🔬 STEM Highlights This Week
🚀 Government Expands AI and Robotics Pilot in Schools
BBC Education reported that the Department for Education (DfE) is expanding its AI and robotics pilot scheme to 50 more secondary schools starting this autumn. The initiative aims to embed hands-on learning in artificial intelligence, automation, and ethical computing (BBC News – Education).
Why it matters: With AI shaping every industry, this development provides an opportunity to expose students to cutting-edge technologies early. Teachers are being offered CPD support and curriculum resources alongside the rollout.
🔍 Study Reveals STEM Gender Gap Starts in Primary School
A new study highlighted by TES Magazine found that perceptions about STEM subjects start diverging between boys and girls as early as Year 3. The Education Endowment Foundation-funded study shows fewer girls feel confident in maths and computing, even at this early stage (TES Magazine).
Why it matters: These findings underline the need to address confidence and engagement among young learners before secondary education. Consider using gender-neutral language and inclusive contexts in problem-solving scenarios.
🧪 EEF Launches Toolkit Update: New Evidence on Science Teaching Strategies
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) released its updated evidence toolkit this week, including fresh reviews on science teaching strategies. Notably, inquiry-based learning—when structured—has been shown to improve student outcomes in Key Stage 3 (EEF).
Why it matters: STEM teachers can reference this evidence when designing schemes of work or applying for grants. The toolkit also offers practical implementation guidance for low-cost interventions.
💸 Further Education Gets Skills Funding Boost
FE Week covered an announcement from the Skills Minister outlining a new £45 million investment in FE colleges focusing on green technologies and STEM vocational courses (FE Week). Colleges can now bid for funding to expand labs, procure new equipment, or launch courses aligned with industry demand.
Why it matters: With green energy becoming a strategic priority, this funding signals a shift towards equipping young people with practical, future-ready STEM skills.
🏫 Broader Education Updates
📉 Teacher Recruitment Numbers Continue to Lag
Both BBC and Schools Week noted that government recruitment targets for STEM subjects like physics and computing remain unmet for the fifth consecutive year (Schools Week). Some regions face double-digit vacancies ahead of the new term.
Why it matters: Expect increased workload or class merging in some schools, especially for niche STEM subjects. This situation also underscores the need for retention and support policies that keep talented educators in the profession.
🧠 Mental Health Support for Teachers Trialled in 40 Schools
Sky News reports that 40 UK schools are trialling a new mental health framework aimed at supporting both students and staff. The programme includes mindfulness training, regular check-ins, and professional counselling for teachers experiencing burnout (Sky News Education).
Why it matters: STEM teachers often face assessment-heavy workloads, making stress management essential. Awareness and support frameworks like this can be adapted locally or used as a case study for advocacy within your own institution.
🔁 GCSE Curriculum Review Underway
A significant update from TES and Schools Week is the announcement of a wide-ranging curriculum review of GCSEs. While still in early consultation, there is talk of modular assessments and integrating real-world applications—particularly in science and computing (TES Magazine).
Why it matters: This is a golden opportunity to voice classroom realities to policymakers. Expect consultations to open later this summer, and keep an eye on STEM-specific developments.
🔗 Links to All Stories Featured:
🔄 Reflections for the Classroom
Here are some reflection points and prompts you might take into departmental meetings or use in CPD:
👩🏫 Representation in STEM
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What are we doing to build STEM confidence in girls and underrepresented groups?
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Can we make changes to classroom language, resources, or role models?
📚 Evidence-Informed Practice
🛠️ Real-World Relevance
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How well do our lessons reflect the future of work (e.g., AI, green tech)?
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What partnerships or industry links might support this?
🧘♀️ Wellbeing
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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.