The Institute of Physics has called on policy-makers across the UK to level up student learning outcomes by backing a new subject-specific programme of support for teachers.

In a new report, Subjects Matter, the IOP is urging governments across the UK to commit to establishing an entitlement for teachers which ensures at least half of their professional learning is subject specific.

The idea is that such a system would provide all students, in all schools, with access to high-quality subject teaching. This would increase the number of well-educated students and consequentially increase overall UK economic productivity. It would also reduce the current disparity of academic performance between UK regions.

The report, says this change would raise student academic outcomes, and ultimately economic prosperity, through increases in UK workforce productivity.

It states that – in terms of improved attainment and progression rates – teaching quality has been shown to be the single most important school-related factor in determining student outcomes.

Jonathan Flint CBE, IOP President and a former managing director at BAE Systems, commented on the business case to invest in teachers. He said:

“Great teachers inspire the best outcomes in their students, whatever their subject. They are key to the UK’s future prosperity, and this proposal to raise teaching standards is an opportunity we must seize as soon as possible. 

“Governments across the UK have a real chance here, to improve student outcomes over the long term while also tackling the economic emergency posed by the pandemic. By investing in the teaching workforce of today, we can better equip more students with the knowledge, understanding and abilities that will fuel the industries of tomorrow.”