Fast-track physics journey

With the long-standing deficit in physics teacher recruitment and well-documented challenges in retention, physics is often taught by teachers without a physics degree or a specialist physics initial teacher training qualification (ITT). In 2025, the Institute of Physics reported that a quarter of English state schools now have no specialist physics teachers at all, meaning that many students are missing out on the rewarding career paths physics provides and that the UK skills shortage is being compounded.*

Subject-specific professional development is key to enabling teachers to deliver purposeful, practical classroom physics, supporting teacher retention and student results.

In partnership with STEM Learning we deliver the DfE-funded Subject Knowledge for Physics Teaching (SKPT) programme. This blended learning CPD for teachers teaching KS3/4 physics without a physics specialism is delivered in a range of formats to best meet the needs and requirements of schools and teachers.

We can arrange for a bespoke subject knowledge CPD course to be delivered FREE of charge for your school or multi-academy trust. Use this form https://forms.office.com/e/fYjD7wd7h4 to register your interest or email SKPT@ogdentrust.com.

Subject knowledge CPD for physics delivered for your school

Bespoke SKPT delivery can be arranged for schools and MATs, with topics, dates and details agreed to meet more specific requirements. The courses normally take place over 6-8 weeks and include eight hours of in-person delivery, online tutorials and independent learning. Kirsty Hughes is the Academy Director – Science at Paignton Academy. She started her department on their SKPT journey last year and is hoping to complete all six modules: “It is, without doubt, the most effective professional development course I have delivered for my team.” Kirsty shares her experience with us.

“We chose to host the SKPT course in-house as this provided the most efficient way for the entire department to access high-quality, subject-specific professional development in physics. Currently, the department has only two physics specialists, meaning that much of the KS3 and GCSE physics content is delivered by non-specialist teachers. This lack of subject expertise had been negatively impacting both staff confidence and pupil outcomes. Historically, physics has been an area of challenge for both pupils and staff and was therefore identified as a priority for development.

“Seventeen teachers have now completed the SKPT programme, and the impact on both staff practice and pupil learning has been significant. Staff report increased confidence, improved subject knowledge, and a clearer structure to their teaching. This has translated into deeper pupil understanding and improved recall of key concepts.

“As a department, we have fully revised our waves physics resources to reflect a more effective teaching approach that prioritises conceptual understanding and student thinking, rather than passive transmission of information. While there is often concern around written output in books, the SKPT training has reinforced the importance of experiential and cognitive engagement in securing meaningful learning.

“The quantitative impact of these changes is being evidenced: our physics results this year were above national average for our exam board; in 2024 they were below or level with national average. Our Year 8 data is showing that there are a lot more pupils achieving mastery level knowledge, especially in the mid cycle assessment.

“I would strongly recommend the SKPT programme to other heads of department considering it. It is, without doubt, the most effective professional development course I have delivered for my team.”

Start your SKPT journey

We can arrange for a bespoke subject knowledge CPD course to be delivered FREE of charge for your school or multi-academy trust. Use this form https://forms.office.com/e/fYjD7wd7h4 to register your interest or email SKPT@ogdentrust.com.

Guided by an expert practitioner, teachers will start a fast-track physics journey in one of six core topics – developing the knowledge and confidence to bring physics to life in the classroom.

Each module requires:

• 8 hours in-person
• 2 hours online webinars
• 10 hours independent learning

The CPD is FULLY FUNDED and a £500 infrastructure payment is provided to support technician, admin and catering costs. Each bespoke session requires a minimum of 8 teachers.

Header photo from a SKPT residential, York (taken by John Sanders)

*Follow this link to access the IOP research: The physics teacher shortage and addressing it through the 3Rs: Retention, Recruitment and Retraining (England) | Institute of Physics

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