The Government has a number of skills reforms and programmes in place ensuring that the UK is one of the best places to study STEM subjects at school. The Government is investing in STEM education at all levels to ensure people have access to high-quality STEM teaching and can access STEM career opportunities.
The Government is investing to recruit and retain high-quality teachers of STEM related subjects in schools and further education. Since autumn 2022, early career teachers of mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computing, who work in disadvantaged, state-funded secondary schools have been able to claim a Levelling Up Premium of up to £3,000 tax free per year, for up to three years. The Government also funds a suite of training and professional development offers to support high-quality STEM teaching.
The Government is boosting the take-up of STEM subjects by delivering on the Prime Minister’s ambition of ensuring all students in England study maths to 18. The Government is also funding tailored maths support for students and teachers through the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme, investing £84 million into the National Centre for Computing Education to drive increased participation in computer science, and funding research programmes on how to tackle gender balance in STEM subjects.
The Government funds programmes, delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), to support STEM and the creation of a more diverse STEM workforce now and in the future. STEM Inspiration programmes such as STEM Ambassadors particularly focus on engaging with under-represented groups, including young women, to develop their skills and interest in STEM careers. UKRI is also working with funders and the wider sector to co-design a joined-up talent offer that is open to the full diversity of people in the UK across all career stages.