One in 10 science graduates (11 per cent) are currently planning to switch to a career in teaching, according to research by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). And many more science graduates may be set to follow suit, with 49 per cent considering a future career in teaching.

The study shows that the majority (53 per cent) of these sought-after graduates believe that it is important that young people are inspired by science lessons to maintain Britain's scientific strength.

The findings are welcomed by the TDA, as science teachers, particularly those with physics degrees, are some of the most in-demand teachers in the country’s schools.

The research also highlights what science graduates are looking for in their career, with intellectual challenge (61 per cent), the fulfilment of working in a worthwhile profession (54 per cent) and the opportunity to use their degree knowledge (39 per cent) rated highly. Others stressed the importance of promotion prospects (63 per cent) and financial reward (57 per cent).

These findings come as the TDA, with the support of the Institute of Physics, launches a national roadshow today to recruit more physics teachers. Launched in London by astronomy and planetary science MA student Myleene Klass, a giant model solar system will be taken to five cities in five days (London, Brighton, Bath, Coventry and Sheffield), each destination chosen because of a particular need to fill physics teacher training places in that area.

Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA, said: “Science graduates have some of the most in-demand skills in the country, and it’s great to see that so many are considering a career in teaching to help maintain the future of their subjects.

“Science graduates will also find that teachers enjoy competitive pay and excellent progression opportunities. Teaching allows you to use your subject knowledge and offers the unique rewards of working with young people.

“By taking the solar system around the country, we hope to inspire even more students and graduates to think about the rewards of a career in science teaching.”

Professor Peter Main, Director of Education and Science at the Institute of Physics, said: “The TDA has found that most science graduates believe it is important for young people to be inspired by science lessons, in order to secure future scientific innovation in this country. We agree and that is why we are supporting this initiative.

“Astronomy is one of the most inspiring parts of the science curriculum for many pupils. It’s crucial that our children have creative and enthusiastic physics teachers, and this initiative will demonstrate how exciting modern science teaching can bring the subject to life.”

Myleene Klass said: “I’m delighted to be able to support this campaign to recruit more teachers. Astronomy has long been a subject close to my heart and I’m currently studying for an MA in astronomy and planetary science at the Open University.

“It’s important that we challenge people’s preconceptions about physics and physics teaching, showing that this is a colourful subject and one that’s relevant to people’s lives.”

There are more than 3,000 science teacher training places allocated for the academic year 2007/2008 and places are still available on courses starting this September. There are also further places on intensive, pre-training courses for graduates without physics degrees but with an A-level in the subject, an element of it in their degree, or substantial occupational experience.

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Research was carried out online in December 2006 by PCP Market Research, who interviewed a sample of 1,110 graduates aged under 30, including 218 science graduates.

For more information about how to become a teacher, see www.teach.gov.uk

Personal advice is available from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers (minicom 01245 45 43 43).

From 1 September 2007 a newly qualified teacher (NQT) will start on a salary of at least £20,133 (£24,168 in inner London). The pay scale for good, experienced classroom teachers who have 'crossed the threshold' rises to £34,281 outside London and £41,004 in inner London. Additional allowances may be paid to teachers considered to be excellent, and to those who take on management and other responsibilities. The pay scale for head teachers can rise to over £90,000 depending on size of school. Further details are available at www.teach.gov.uk/payandbenefits

Eligible trainees on postgraduate initial teacher training (ITT) courses in England are entitled to a tax-free training bursary worth £6-9,000. Newly qualified teachers with a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) in maths and science may also be eligible for a ‘golden hello’ payment worth £5,000 (taxed) after successfully completing their induction period. Those with a PGCE in modern languages, English or drama, design and technology, information and communications technology (ICT), music and religious education (RE) may receive £2,500. Details are available on the TDA website at www.teach.gov.uk/funding

The graduate teacher programme (GTP) enables people to train to become a teacher while employed in a school. Details of employment based routes can be viewed at www.teach.gov.uk/routes

Data collected by the TDA shows that close to 40,000 people are beginning teacher training in the academic year 2006/07.

The Training and Development Agency for Schools was established under the Education Act 2005. Its principal aim is to secure an effective school workforce that improves children’s life chances.

Media enquiries

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Tel: 020 7419 6934 / 8616 / 7312; e-mail: lisa.pearson@bbpr.com / michael@bbpr.com / mel@bbpr.com

General TDA enquiries

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