This is the library of all our published reports and insights.
If you have any questions about a particular report, please tweet the Education team @GatsbyEd or email us info@gatsby.org.uk.
Disclaimer: The Gatsby Charitable Foundation commissions and funds research which contributes to the strengthening of the country’s science and engineering skills. The views and opinions presented in the research reports do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Gatsby Charitable Foundation.
This report is based on a statistical investigation of schools with sixth forms that do not offer A-level physics. The report is an output from a joint data project between the Institute of Physics, Royal Academy of Engineering and Gatsby Foundation.
This infographic includes data up to 2015. Recruiting sufficient physics teachers has been a long-standing problem.The school workforce census published in 2013 showed that 26% of physics lessons are taught by a teacher without a relevant post A-Level qualification. The subject is often taught by ‘non-specialists’ usually qualified in chemistry or biology. Modelling by the Department for Education supports the Institute of Physics’ assertion that over 1,000 new physics teachers need to be recruited every year for the next ten years to meet demand.
This leaflet brings together key data relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. It focuses on the number of people studying STEM subjects at GCSE, A-Level and undergraduate degree levels and also includes data on apprenticeships.
In 2011, key science staff in Russell Group universities were surveyed about the standard of new undergraduates' laboratory skills. The results suggest that A levels are not adequately preparing even the brightest students for science courses in our top universities.
In November 2011, STEM employers were surveyed on the skills and knowledge of new employees to see whether science A levels are adequately preparing school-leavers for science roles in the workplace.
This piece of research was carried out to establish if practical work in schools, in particular within science A level qualifications, provides students with the practical skills they need to successfully pursue a career in the STEM sector.
