ASPIRES 3
Young people’s STEM trajectories, Age 10-22: physics.
The ASPIRES Physics Report was developed with the support of the Institute of Physics and The Ogden Trust and builds on data from the longitudinal ASPIRES 3 research project with a focus on physics.
The report shows that there is still much to be done throughout primary and secondary to ensure more equitable access and aspirations across gender, race and social divides. The report reinforces the role that good teachers play in building physics interest, engagement and attainment, and consequently enriching the pool of future physicists.
As we move into our new strategic period (2026-2031), we will be delivering more open-access programmes that address several of the key recommendations made in the report.
Preparing and supporting school physics teachers (recommendation 2) is at the heart of the Trust’s programmes, with professional development programmes to support out of field teachers of physics from primary through to A-level, and additional resources to support teachers from EYFS. Building firm physics foundations in primary is crucial, but that momentum must be maintained in key stage 3 with confident, competent physics teaching throughout secondary.
Professional development programmes aimed at improving secondary and primary physics will be available across England with free open access CPD days; our provision for early career physics teacher will be refocused to provide more comprehensive coaching and structured support. Our delivery of the DfE-funded subject knowledge for physics teaching (SKPT) is continuing to upskill the increasing number of teachers teaching physics out of field.
New programmes engaging more fully with senior leaders in schools and trusts will help to sharpen focus on high-quality, inclusive physics, supporting equity-based teaching approaches (recommendation 3). We will also be curating and facilitating physics enrichment opportunities and resources that will highlight the relevance of physics in society, scaffold conversations about careers, encourage positive inclusion, and build science capital in the classroom (recommendations 4 and 5).
“Our funded programmes and CPD provision can help to build excellent physics teaching. We are elevating our work with senior school leaders to ensure a more positive, inclusive environment for physics learning. Excellent classroom physics teaching needs to exist within an equitable, inclusive culture that enables physics to thrive within and beyond the classroom, showcasing future physics pathways and opportunities for all.”
Clare Harvey, Chief Executive of The Ogden Trust
Download the report
The research findings, report and recommendations can be downloaded from the UCL website.
Watch the launch webinar
If you were unable to attend the webinar, you can view the presentation below. This recording does not include the concluding Q&A session.
Published: 28 January 2026