Panel: Working together to improve science education

STEM education needs a reset. Despite decades of effort, the UK still isn’t delivering equitable, engaging science learning for all young people. In this session, Jo Foster (Director, IRIS) and Louise Archer share national data, grassroots insights, and early findings from a new leadership group working to rethink the future of science education. Come ready to reflect, challenge, and help shape what comes next. The aims of the session are to: - Reflect honestly on the current state of STEM education in the UK, informed by new national reports. - Share how IRIS and a growing network of partners are responding through collaborative leadership. - Explore why traditional engagement efforts haven’t delivered equity or transformation — and what might. - Create space for delegates to feed into shaping the future of STEM reform in schools. - Build a sense of shared responsibility and momentum toward meaningful change. This session is a response to two landmark reports that paint a bleak picture of STEM education in the UK. ASPIRES 3 confirms that despite two decades and nearly £1 billion spent on STEM inspiration, key communities remain persistently underrepresented. PISA 2022, meanwhile, shows a steady decline in science performance — equivalent to a 6-month loss in learning since 2015 — and based on a sample that likely underestimates the true scale of the challenge. But this session is also about hope and action. Since this data was published, IRIS has brought together a new national network of over 30 science education leaders, researchers, teachers, and awarding bodies, united by a shared desire to do better. Together, we will discuss bold questions: What does real science education look like? What kind of system helps it thrive? How can we put students at the centre? We’ll share what’s emerging from this growing coalition — and invite ASE delegates to contribute their own insight, experience, and ambition to the next phase of the work. By the end of this session, participants should ideally: - Understand the urgency and complexity of the challenge in UK STEM education - Learn from emerging models of collaborative, purpose-led change - Have a voice in shaping the national conversation about STEM reform - Connect with others committed to equity, integrity, and innovation in science education