Last year was the second year in a row that the government missed its target for the recruitment of physics teachers by more than 80 per cent.
This is at the same time physics teachers are leaving the profession among the highest rates of any teachers. This all means that the shortage of physics teachers is very real.
In England alone, an internal Institute of Physics (IOP) analysis found that of the 30,000 science teachers, only 6,500 are specialist physics teachers, which implies a deficit of at least 3,500.
Young people without access to specialist physics teachers are less likely to pursue physics and physics-related pathways post-16.
This is important because we need a pipeline of talent to fill the skills gaps, who can go on to inspire future generations whether in the classroom or in industry.
And this matters not just for young people themselves, and for the future of teaching, but for society.
Knock-on effect is devastating
Physics skills and knowledge power nearly two million jobs in the UK. Whether delivering breakthroughs in cancer diagnostics and treatments or creating satellite sensors to fight climate change, physics plays a part.
However, the fundamental problem is that we simply don’t have enough people coming up through the education system in the UK to meet the growing demand for the physics-based roles available.
The knock-on effect on the economy is devastating and is holding back business growth and innovation. In fact, two-thirds of physics-based businesses in the UK reported suspending or delaying research and development and innovation activities in 2016-21 due to skills shortages.
To build a thriving, diverse physics community and to solve the science, technology, engineering and maths skills shortage, we must ensure that people - no matter their background or where they live - have access to a world-class physics education so they have a chance to pursue the many job opportunities available and launch promising future careers.
This is why I was dismayed to read the changes to the international relocation payment announced this week by the Department for Education.
The news that the pilot scheme, which offered non-UK trainee teachers of languages and physics £10,000 to relocate to England, is being cut short mid-year is simply not good enough.
England already has a desperate shortage of physics teachers and, while overseas trainees should never be seen as the whole solution, they have the potential to make a meaningful difference where there is a real shortfall.
The stark reality is we are halfway through a pilot, which, although appearing successful, is yet to be assessed.
There is also a human impact of this abrupt cut in funding on the high-quality trainee physics teachers expecting to come and start courses in September, this decision will be incredibly disruptive to teacher training centres.
Shortage of physics teachers
The Science Teaching Survey 2023 report led by the Royal Society of Chemistry, and supported by the IOP and the Royal Society of Biology, found that 46 per cent of respondents said their school was understaffed when it came to physics teachers - more than twice the proportion as for biology teachers.
The problem is most acute in England with 50 per cent of teachers reporting a shortage of physics teachers, followed by 46 per cent in Wales and 40 per cent in Northern Ireland.
So, cutting this vital payment now makes no sense and will likely mean losing much-needed trainees as a direct consequence.
We need urgent positive action to close the 3,500 physics teacher gap and to get back on track with recruiting, retaining and retraining our physics teachers.
Abandoning this scheme in its infancy and before we know its full potential only makes doing that even harder.
Tom Grinyer is the CEO of the Institute of Physics
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