Investing in teachers: Why high-quality CPD matters

Great primary science teaching doesn’t happen by chance — empower yourself, your colleagues and your young scientists through purposeful CPD.

Just like any other profession, teaching requires continuous growth and reflection. To deliver the best possible lessons, teachers need regular opportunities to refine their skills, explore new ideas and stay inspired. High-quality continuing professional development (CPD) isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to great teaching.

The State of Primary Science Education in the UK (2025) report was published this October. It compared science provision in schools with the previous State of the Nation Report from 2017 and found the following relating to CPD:

• Confidence in teaching science has declined for both science leaders and other teachers
• Fewer non-science leaders report access to mentoring or regular science meetings
• A higher proportion of non-science leaders report receiving no science CPD.

We know the challenges teachers are facing in terms of confidence, science curriculum time and access to high-quality CPD. Science Oxford is well placed to address some of these and will continue to look for creative ways to engage and empower teachers in our region.

No matter the phase or school setting, it is the quality of teaching that can make the biggest difference to children’s learning and to their ultimate success in school.

(Education Endowment Foundation, 2021)

Supporting teachers across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire

At Science Oxford, we’re regional experts in primary science and are passionate about helping teachers deliver inspiring, high-impact science lessons. This year, we’ve developed a diverse programme of CPD events designed to make high-quality science training more accessible than ever.

Our mission — to encourage the pursuit of science — drives everything we do. Thanks to the support of The Oxford Trust and our generous membership scheme, many of our CPD sessions are offered at a significantly reduced cost, and some are even free for member schools.

CPD opportunities designed for you

If you are a primary teacher who would like to refresh your curriculum knowledge, explore new teaching approaches, or simply reignite your love of science, Science Oxford has something for you.

For all primary teachers:

• Year group-specific CPD sessions: Tailored to specific age ranges, these hands-on sessions are packed with practical ideas and strategies to tackle common misconceptions in science. these are perfect for teachers who want to make practical science more purposeful, engaging, and memorable for pupils

• Thinking, Doing, Talking Science: Our research-informed, whole-school approach empowers teachers to make science lessons more interactive, inclusive, and thought-provoking.
• Outdoor science in action: A practical, inspiring full-day session designed to equip teachers with the skills and confidence to lead meaningful climate change education through outdoor learning experiences.
• Focused recording or Pupil led enquiry: High-quality online CPD sessions, delivered after school for maximum convenience. These bitesize workshops provide practical strategies to support effective recording and pupil-led investigation in science.

For primary science leaders:

• Primary science network meetings: Designed for busy science leaders, these short, focused sessions offer practical CPD opportunities to share good practice, explore new ideas, and stay up to date with the latest developments in primary science.

• PSQM:  A comprehensive, year-long professional development programme that supports primary science subject leaders to build confidence, capability, and a clear vision for improving the quality and profile of science across their school.
• Science Oxford conferences: Step back from the day-to-day and invest in your professional growth. Our full-day conferences feature inspirational speakers, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers — leaving you re-energised and full of fresh ideas for your classroom and school.

Teachers say

The course gave me a great boost and helped to form an action plan to move my teaching forward

The training was inspirational and motivational

Work with us

At Science Oxford, we believe that investing in teachers means investing in children’s futures. High-quality CPD builds confidence, deepens subject knowledge, and helps teachers create the kind of classroom experiences that spark curiosity for life.

Book today