Practical science teaching at risk amid staffing and funding pressures

UK science teachers are struggling to deliver practical lessons, with many technicians - the backbone of school labs - considering leaving the profession, according to a survey of nearly 2,000 educators.

The annual Science Teaching Survey, commissioned by the RSC and partner organisations, found insufficient time (58%), challenging student behaviour (48%) and the cost of consumables and chemicals (43%) are the biggest barriers. Nearly a fifth of technicians plan to leave by 2027, while 39% are unsure whether they will stay, citing low pay, lack of progression, and stress. Stress-related departures alone have risen 159% since 2023.

Teachers warned that losing technicians would seriously impact practical learning. Vicky Thompson, senior technician, said: “You can’t teach science meaningfully without the resources, experiments, and hands-on experiences that technicians make possible. Yet many technicians are stretched across multiple roles, from first aid to lesson cover.”

The RSC and partners call for increased funding for consumables and chemicals, and enough skilled technicians to support hands-on science education. Mark Jordan, RSC Head of Education, said: “Practical lessons are vital to inspiring students and building the STEM workforce. Governments must invest in school-level science education to secure the UK’s talent pipeline.” 

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